A father from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, is facing a grim battle against an extremely rare case of cadmium poisoning, a condition that has left Australian doctors perplexed over how to treat him. Chris Wilson, 38, has experienced a rapid decline in health, marked by alarming neurological symptoms, including seizures and hallucinations. His diagnosis has sparked a desperate search for answers, as the source of his exposure to this toxic heavy metal remains a mystery.
Chris and his wife, Nikki, have navigated years of uncertainty following his initial diagnosis of functional neurological disorder (FND). Nikki expressed her skepticism about this diagnosis, recalling, “I told the neurologist I thought it could be a neurotoxin, but he didn’t even see a reason to test for it.” Their quest for clarity led them to numerous medical appointments until a doctor in Toowoomba conducted a toxicology test that revealed Chris had dangerously high levels of cadmium in his bloodstream.
The test showed that Chris had a cadmium concentration of 6.9 micrograms per litre. Although health officials initially suggested his past smoking could be a contributing factor—cadmium is naturally found in tobacco plants—the situation worsened. A year later, follow-up testing indicated a troubling increase to 17.3 micrograms per litre. “That’s when we knew it was killing him,” Nikki stated, emphasizing the urgency of their plight.
Chris’s previous employment at a steel factory in Canada is one potential source of his cadmium exposure. He now urges others in industrial jobs to prioritize safety precautions. “We believe he was exposed there, and it’s just been sitting in his liver,” Nikki explained. “Now it’s slowly leaching into his system and it’s slowly killing him.”
Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for cadmium poisoning, and Chris’s condition has been classified as terminal. Doctors have admitted their inability to provide effective treatment, leaving the family in a devastating situation. Chris relies on specialized nutritional liquids to prevent starvation, as his body struggles to absorb essential nutrients from regular food.
The risk of developing refeeding syndrome—an acute metabolic condition that can occur when a malnourished person resumes eating—further complicates his care. Symptoms can include severe shifts in fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to life-threatening issues such as cardiac failure and seizures. “Palliative care has stepped in to manage his symptoms; they’re doing what they can,” Nikki noted.
As Chris’s mobility declines, he now depends on a walker for movement and the family is working to obtain a custom wheelchair to accommodate his needs. This has proven to be a significant financial burden for the Wilson family, who are currently living on a single income. “His supplements just to keep him going are incredibly expensive,” Nikki shared. “To get him a wheelchair that fits properly—he’s really tall, it needs to be custom-made. Even his walker takes up half the house.”
In response to their escalating medical costs and to help fulfill one of Chris’s final wishes—seeing his best friend from Canada one last time—the Wilson family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Chris expressed the emotional significance behind the initiative, saying, “It’s about creating an opportunity for love, support, and shared strength during a very fragile time in my life.” Any additional funds raised will also be used to create lasting memories with their three children, River, Willow, and Julian, as they cherish the time they have left together.
As the family faces this daunting challenge, they continue to advocate for greater awareness of cadmium exposure and its devastating effects, hoping that their story will resonate with others and highlight the importance of safety in industrial workplaces.
