We are a group of lifelong friends, who made a commitment as young women to always take care of each other. We now find ourselves in a situation where we need to help one of our own: the wonderful Emily Galea.

Emily was diagnosed with cervical cancer 2 years ago after a positive HPV test. They also found a small tumor in her bowel. She had surgery and a big fight with chemo and radiation, and was cleared and was feeling good.

Three months later Em went in for a scan and they found abnormalities in her hip bone which was in fact secondary cancer (Osteolytic bone cancer, where the bone is broken down without new bone forming).

Right now, Em’s cancer is classified as Stage 4.

As most of you would know, Em is a single mother to 7 children: Tyson, Bronte, Scout, Mackenzie, Saskia, Jet and Willow. Jet and Willow are both still at school - Willow is only 13! - and 6 of Em’s kids still live wth her. Em tried more chemo but it was absolutely debilitating and she was unable to sustain it while working full time and looking after her kids. Instead she went down the path of immunotherapy and alternative therapies, which had some success, and she began feeling positive for the first time in a long time. But she ran out of money.

The reality is that all this treatment is hugely expensive. Em needs a limb-sparing surgery in the form of a hip replacement to replace the broken down bone, and she needs a bone marrow transplant. She also needs to restart the immunotherapy journey. There is a really promising treatment being offered overseas, but she cannot afford it. There are also other local options but the cost, while less, is still prohibitive.

Em needs our help! Imagine knowing that there are life-saving treatments available, but you can’t have them because they’re too expensive. It’s just so unfair. Of course she has had some help from friends and her former partner, but for the most part Em has had to deal with all of this sickness and treatment alone, while working full time and continuing to be the wonderful mum we all know she is. She hasn’t been able to take any time off work to take care of herself.

Emily is a strong, determined woman who has been taking care of everyone around her for her whole life. Anyone who knows her, knows that she is the kindest, most generous soul there is. She has a smile for everyone. She never judges. She loves hugely and freely, and she is a fierce protector of those she loves - especially her beloved children. She never asks for help. But she is exhausted - mentally, physically and financially - and now It’s our turn to take care of her.

We all have an opportunity to make a positive difference for Emily and her kids. If everyone who reads this would consider donating whatever amount they can manage, no matter how large or small, that will make a difference. Every dollar counts.

$50K would mean some real time off work, plus surgery and immunotherapy locally. If we can raise more, she can maybe go overseas for ground breaking, life saving treatment.

Let’s show Em that she is not alone.