Man who was turning to stone dies
An Auckland man with a rare disease that was effectively turning his body to stone has died.
Callan Fabian suffered from scleroderma, an incurable autoimmune disease that hardens the skin and, in severe cases, the internal organs.
Ann Wills from the non-profit support group Scleroderma Auckland said he passed away on November 16.
‘‘It was pretty unexpected, we were hoping he’d make it until Christmas,’’ she said.
Wills said they’d taken a care package to Fabian at Terrence Kennedy House, Glen Eden on November 14 wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper and wore silly Christmas hats.
‘‘He said he was not going to die until we had our Christmas party but he was in a lot of pain.’’
The 44-year-old’s joints were locked in place and he couldn’t roll over without help.
In the days before he died Fabian said: ‘‘Just be positive and appreciate every day as it comes.’’
A Givealittlepage set up to pay for his off-site activities would be closed down.
If people wanted to ask for their donation back, Wills said they would be reimbursed.
‘‘Otherwise it will be paid out at the end of December and go toward the costs involved for people caring for Callan.’’
The Givealittle page raised close to $24,000.