Hi, my name is Lyndsey.

Recently, my dear friend Sam's daughter, Ash, was informed of medically life-changing news; Ash was diagnosed with a rare type of tumour that affects the tissue of the pituitary gland, known as a Craniopharyngioma.

While these types of tumours are most commonly benign, they are notoriously difficult to treat; often requiring ongoing complementary treatments - including radiation and chemo therapies - and Ash risks the eventuality of blindness without the tumour's removal.

Here is a short history of Ash's story:

Over the last few months, 23 year old Ash, sought additional advice for severe migraines that have plagued her most of her life.

The severity of these migraines escalated recently, and her GP prescribed her a type of medication she had previously not tried.

Almost immediately, Ash began having bouts of uncontrolled laughing, insomnia, memory loss, tremors, weight gain, nausea, diminished eyesight, and hallucinations. Her GP placed this down to a medication reaction - forcing Ash and Sam to seek advice from her additional treating medical specialists - whereupon she was placed in emergency care at Launceston General Hospital, Tasmania. Brain scans were performed, and a tumour was discovered in Ash's brain.

The next day, Ash was transferred by emergency to Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania, where Mr. Nova Thani, her (now) treating Neurosurgeon, assessed her current condition, and she was admitted as an in-patient for a week while further testing was performed, and a treatment plan was organised for Ash, and her treating medical team. Due to the nature of Craniopharyngiomas, and Ash's medical history, it is likely she has suffered from the tumour from quite some time before the symptoms progressed to the point of which they are now very clearly presenting - and diminishing her quality of life.

As a result of Ash's condition, she is no longer able to continue with paid employment, and can no longer drive for the foreseeable future.

Two weeks post diagnosis, Ash is currently awaiting her imminent surgery date at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania.

Ensuring her family comes first, Sam made the decision (not a difficult decision, as family always comes first with Sam - especially when it comes to Ash) to defer her first University placement (of which ongoing paid employment had been offered) - as well as her University second placement, and final subject prior to graduation.

My goal with this with GoFundMe is to provide Sam with at least the minimum financial assistance for two months of accommodation and food, so she can stay in Hobart with Ash throughout her surgery and initial rehabilitation period. Sam and Ash have already been informed that as a neurosurgery patient, she will not be eligible for transfer to her hometown (Launceston General) hospital - so we are under no illusion that 2 months will be the minimum period Sam and Ash will be required to spend away from home; however we have placed this amount as our starting point in the hope that we can achieve and assist more throughout Ash's rehabilitation journey. Anything surplus will hopefully help Sam and Ash recoup loss of employment costs and the initial financial expenses relating to Sam staying in Hobart with her during her diagnosis.

Anyone who knows Sam, knows she would give you her car, if yours broke down; Her last $50, if you were broke; her shoes, if you needed a pair. She would cook you a feast if she felt you may have had a bad week, and needed something to cheer you up. She would go to the shops, see something she thought would brighten your day and get it for you... just because. That is just who she is.

I hope we can repay some of that love and kindness back to her and her family in their time of need.

Thank you, everyone, for your ongoing support of this amazing family. We will keep you updated as Ash's surgery and rehabilitation journey continues.

Much Love from us all at Team Ash. x