Elisse Kleiner is a beloved friend, collaborator and community member – as an exceptional musician performing in ensembles around the world, as a creative project leader who has enabled many exciting experiences and events, as a creator and caretaker of the magical Dreamfarm community space, as a caring, insightful and fabulous friend who has enriched so many of our lives, and as a beautiful and loving mama bear to Amber.

Elisse has recently been diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma, an uncommon cancer located in her sinus. At 38, this has come as quite a shock to Elisse and her family. To treat this life-threatening cancer, she requires urgent major surgery in her upper jaw and neck. It will require removing bone and teeth and the reconstruction of part of her face.

Let us come together now to show our support for Elisse, who is loved and respected so deeply, during her time of need.

Elisse will undergo surgery on May 17th, with the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She is being attended to by an amazing multidisciplinary team of surgeons and specialist medical professionals. Fortunately, it is believed that the cancer is confined to a specific area, and it is highly likely that it can be removed with surgery. Elisse will need to spend at least 8 weeks away from home in Melbourne following the surgery; in hospital and outpatient care. Beyond that, recovery and rehabilitation will take many months, with further reconstructive procedures required once initial healing has occurred. (It is very fortunate that this world class treatment is available freely for Elisse, and that most of the medical costs will be covered by Australia’s public health system.)

Elisse has had to leave her job as a flute teacher, and her partner Alex will be spending the coming months as a full time carer for little Amber. The surgery is also expected to affect Elisse’s ability to play the flute, and it is unknown whether she will be able to resume her profession and passion.

The family are extremely thankful for the funds raised, which will provide relief and stability during these unprecedented times, enabling them to focus on healing, rehabilitating and caring for Amber. The largest cost for Elisse will be the dental implants and major dental work she will need to replace the row of her teeth which will be removed (this will not be covered by the public health system). The funds will also greatly assist with Elisse's recovery expenses, travel costs, child care, keeping Dreamfarm solvent during this unforeseen business disruption, as well as whatever can be done to help Elisse feel positive during this difficult time.

The family would like to emphasise that they are not in severe financial hardship and that, while greatly appreciated, monetary contributions are not critical for their recovery. Elisse, Alex and Amber would love to stay connected with their friends and community and receive the support offered in whichever way feels most appropriate for you, be it hospital visits, playing with Amber, food drops or some help around the farm. This platform was set up particularly for those friends and family who are geographically distant or are not able to be involved in a more practical way at this time. We are very grateful for all kinds of support offered. If you would like to know how else you can assist Elisse, please contact her amazing support team leaders:

In Tasmania: Caitlin - 0403 958 676

In Melbourne: Angela - 0423 090 113