A young Mum's cancer battle

If you have had the pleasure of meeting Terri, then you will agree that she is adoring, stunning, genuine, strong, courageous, humble, generous, kind, hilarious and selfless.  Wherever Terri goes, she touches the hearts of those she meets.  She has a way of making people feel special and loved just by smiling and talking with them.  Her hugs are real, and they heal as they offer love.  A quote from a dear family friend recently said, "It's a wonder Terri's heart fits in her chest it is so big and so tender".  Her family are a credit to her and her husband Brian. Their three children, Fletcher 5, Imy (Imogen) 4 and Bashy (Ashton) 3 are the most delightful and well-mannered little bush kids. The love Terri has for her kids is what gives her stength.

Fletcher - Is a sensitive and compassionate little soul who often makes you think outside the box.

Imy - Is such a sweetheart who is determined, loving and helpful. She is just like her Mum.

Ashton (Bashy) - Is a gorgeous, cuddly boy who adores  exploring the outdoors.

In August 2016 Terri was hit with some shocking news to find out she had Stage 3 Metastatic Malignant Melanoma. She underwent two surgeries in her left leg to remove the cancerous tumours from two locations and had a full lymph node dissection in her left groin. She left hospital with two vacuum machines and a surgical drain attached to her leg.  The recovery was long and painful due to infections, surgical drain complications and fluid retention.  This has resulted in the permanent and painful condition of Lymphoedema in her leg.  During the 4 month recovery period, Terri made it a goal to be able to walk her son Fletcher into his first ever day of primary school (Prep) in January 2017. And she did it! When Terri sets her mind to something, she is determined, and it is this trait that inspires so many of her family and friends. In November 2016 she was given the good news of no more cancer! As you can imagine she, her family and friends were overjoyed.

This year has been a battle for Terri and her family. They've been faced with a number of other personal challenges and have continued to fight to get back up again. Brian, her husband, has been battling a serious mental illness, and has been advised by medical professionals to take leave from work. As you can imagine this has put an enormous financial strain on both Brian and Terri, who is a full-time mum to their three young children.


In November 2017, Terri had one of her regular three monthly melanoma check-ups. She was given the result of her PET Scan and biopsy and informed of three new internal melanomas in her left leg.  Another biopsy has revealed a further seven external melanoma spots which have appeared over a short space of time.   Her treatment plan is yet to be implemented, however we do know she will soon have to pack up and head to Brisbane for chemotherapy, immunotherapy and more surgery. Terri and Brian live in the rural and remote town of Mount Isa, 1800kms away from Brisbane.  We all know it’s crucial for the family to be together during Terri’s treatment in Brisbane, as it’s the best support and healing power there is. 

This news has caused a huge amount of angst and many questions you never ever want to consider. How will we live? How do we pay our bills? What do we do with the kids? How do well tell our kids? How do we get support? Where will we stay? How do we pay for travel?  With trying to support three children, staying positive with an unknown future and facing the recurrent Melanoma, it's fair to say that they are struggling. This is why we are reaching out to family, friends and the community for support.  Terri and Brian are the most beautiful and selfless people. They have given so much to others, and now it's their turn to get something back.  They need your help.  Many people have asked how they can help and support, and to ease their financial stress would take much pressure away from them. 
 
Any donation would financially assist them with:

·       Transport
·       Airline costs for the family
·       Accommodation
·       Emotional support and counselling
·       Bills and mortgages
·       Day to day living expenses
·       Schooling, kindergarten & related childcare
        expenses.
·       Lymphedema compression garments
·       Related medical expenses

 We’d love to give you updates along their journey about how Terri is coping with her medical treatment and what the family are doing.  In 2018 Fletcher will be attending Year One, Imy will commence Prep and Bashy (Ashton) will be starting Kindergarten. Terri and Brian are overwhelmed and truly appreciate any support. Thank you.


*A special thank you goes out to Nicola Power Photography for her generosity and time in donating the photography shoot to Terri.