Hi, my name is Sarah, and I'm fundraising for expenses related to the treatment of a tumour I have recently been diagnosed with.

I am a vibrant and active member of the Sunshine Coast community, contributing to numerous small and local businesses, community endeavours, groups, and local services, as well as volunteering on many occasions, locally and overseas. I have been a single woman for many years, meaning I have no financial support from a partner or my own family, and I really need a hand to keep moving forward right now.

A cancer diagnosis on my own is truly tough, confusing and requires so much extra running around and time to get on top of treatment decisions. After 5 weeks of a rollercoaster ride, I had to let my physiotherapy job and longstanding yoga class go to keep on top of appointments and severe anxiety. This has debilitated me financially- as some of you reading may already be aware, I had only just got back to work for not quite 12 months after just coming through a massive back operation and then multiple unexpected leg operations, which means I was already starting this journey very much behind after a tough 4 years.

For the last 16 weeks, I have desperately tried not to ask for any community support in the form of financial offerings through this diagnosis. Instead, I have leaned heavily on my line of credit and a couple of generous individuals, including my elderly parents, and sold some of my belongings. I have suspended as many bill payments as possible, including mortgage repayments, and used up all my savings.

When the diagnosis came through at the end of January, I was determined to use every available avenue to proceed towards natural healing. Recently, this has become more challenging, as many medical and natural specialists have informed me about my options.

I used every bit of my cash to buy natural therapy supplements and participate in recommended therapies, take specific detailed tests, attend medical appointments, take interstate flights for Specialists, including having had two procedures and a surgery for an accurate diagnosis, and the list goes on.

I have always been willing to help others when needed. I am accustomed to being independent and usually find a way to manage things on my own. I'm always around to lend a hand. However, all of this has taken a hefty toll, and I am humbled to admit I need you. I need my community's helping hand, now.

I am receiving treatments at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne over six or so weeks and have fortunately been offered a place to stay. However, I still need to cover some of the costs of such generosity, including the long drive to and from the Sunshine Coast and the travel back and forth to the clinic each treatment day. Since I have not been earning, I must also cover my living costs.

I desperately wish to maintain my natural therapy routine towards full wholesome health and recovery from the chemotherapy and radiation for the unique type of cancer I am facing. This will be for an ongoing yet unknown time.

Thank you for reading about my circumstances, contributing if you can, sharing where possible, and for all the wonderful gestures of help and donations in kind that I have already felt blessed indeed to have received.

Your helping hands will make a world of difference to me.

In deep gratitude, and with much love,

Humbly,

Sarah