A Journey of Hope: Pauline’s Fight for a Life-Saving Transplant

Two years ago, our lives were turned upside down. Mum was admitted to the hospital after vomiting blood—a terrifying moment for our family. Despite the urgency, her condition was misdiagnosed, and we were sent home without answers. Desperate for clarity, we turned to her GP, who referred her back to the hospital. We waited four long months for further testing, only to face yet another misdiagnosis.

The rollercoaster didn’t stop there. With each hospital visit, the story changed. At one point, we were told Mum needed to be added to the lung transplant list—a shock since we had no prior knowledge of lung issues. Then, just as we were trying to process that news, we were told she had a cancerous mass in her lungs. The weight of uncertainty was unbearable. But once again, the diagnosis shifted—no cancer, no clear answers, only more confusion.

Determined to find out what was truly wrong, we sought a referral to a liver specialist. That visit brought heartbreak we could never have prepared for. The specialist bluntly told Mum to “go home and die,” as though her life was a hopeless case. Our hope dwindled, but we refused to give up.

Over the months, we endured canceled appointments—four or five times—with the specialist, delaying crucial care. When we finally pushed for a referral to another hospital, we were flat-out denied. By early 2024, the uncertainty was taking its toll on Mum and all of us. In September, she was admitted to the hospital again, where a parade of doctors gave conflicting opinions about what might be wrong.

Finally, after so much frustration and heartache, a liver specialist delivered a clear diagnosis: Mum has hepatopulmonary syndrome, a rare and life-threatening condition caused by liver cirrhosis. The cirrhosis wasn’t caused by alcohol or any of the hepatitis viruses—it’s a mystery why this has happened to her. What we do know is that the only cure is a liver transplant.

Now, under the care of the PA Hospital, Mum has undergone countless tests, only to face further delays and setbacks. The process has been exhausting and overwhelming, but we are holding on to hope. Despite all the misdiagnoses, mixed messages, and struggles with the system, we are determined to see Mum get the transplant she needs to survive.

Mum is currently on high-flow oxygen 24/7, which is not only a constant reminder of her battle but is also incredibly expensive to maintain. We’ve had to purchase second-hand medical equipment just to manage for now. While it isn’t the best, it is what we can afford, but the reality is that replacing or upgrading this equipment will cost us thousands more—money we simply don’t have.

For those who know Mum, this fight is especially heartbreaking. For over 20 years, she has been a tireless volunteer in the community, working with animal welfare leagues and dedicating herself to improving the lives of others. She is also a Justice of the Peace and has worked closely with justice associations to strengthen and improve the system for everyone in Australia.

Mum has always gone above and beyond to help anyone who crosses her path, offering her time, care, and compassion without hesitation. She adores her pets, Pebbles, Clancy, and Quincy, and her love for them has been a source of comfort during this difficult time. Many years of her life were also spent in nursing, aged care, and disability support, where she gave everything she had to improve the lives of those she cared for.

Now, the woman who has given so much to others is in desperate need of help herself. As her daughter, I’m doing everything I can to care for her while working full-time to cover her healthcare costs, but it’s becoming impossible to manage alone.

We are sharing her story not just to highlight the urgency of her situation but to ask for help. With your support, we can give Mum the chance to receive the life-saving transplant she needs and deserves. Your kindness and generosity could make all the difference in this fight for her life.