Heartfelt Thanks to Jade Kerry O’Saye

Over £900 raised for TEDct Charity!

We are overjoyed and deeply grateful to Jade Kerry O’Saye, a thyroid eye disease (TED) patient and an active member of the Thyroid Eye Disease Support UK forum, for her extraordinary fundraising effort. In celebration of her birthday, Jade decided to open a charity fundraiser a few weeks ago to support the Thyroid Eye Disease Charitable Trust (TEDct), stating she has done this as she received so much support from our community. Her incredible initiative has raised a remarkable £933, far surpassing her initial goal of £100-£150.

Thyroid eye disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a rare auto-immune condition listed on the charity Changing Faces as a visible difference. It is typically emotionally and physically challenging to deal with. Many patients suffer with disfigurement trauma.

Inspiring TED story

Jade shared her inspiring TED journey with us, reflecting on her initial apprehension about opening up about her condition. “Since developing TED, only my close friends and family were aware of what I’ve been going through. I just went into hiding due to the disfigurement TED has left me with,” she revealed. Despite these challenges, Jade decided to share her story and has received overwhelming support and generosity from friends, family, and beyond. She expressed, “By doing this, I’ve gained a feeling of acceptance for the version of who I am right now. Having struggled so much with my identity, this is such a nice feeling to have. I don’t feel I have to hide away as much.”

Since developing TED, only my close friends and family were aware of what I’ve been going through. I just went into hiding due to the disfigurement TED has left me with.

The support Jade received has been transformative, encouraging her to live her life more fully and not hide away. “I now am not hiding home alone as much and I’m living my life more, all because of how kind and supportive my friends and family have been – especially those who had no idea what I’ve been going through,” she said.

Jade’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and sharing our journeys. She hopes her experience will inspire others to do the same, bringing more awareness to thyroid eye disease and highlighting the kindness and support that can be found within our community. “If this inspires anybody to give it a go, I really encourage you to do something similar as we need more awareness for this disease,” Jade urged.

Thank you Jade. You are amazing.

We are incredibly thankful to Jade for her bravery, generosity, and for being an integral part of our community. Her fundraising success not only provides vital support to TEDct but also brings hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.

Thank you, Jade, for your incredible contribution and for inspiring us all with your story. Your support is making a significant difference in the lives of those affected by thyroid eye disease.

Together, we can continue to raise awareness and provide much-needed support to those living with thyroid eye disease.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The TEDct Team

If you need support for thyroid eye disease please join Thyroid Eye Disease Support UK