Fiona's fight for more time with her family

For our dear friend, Fiona.

Dear family, friends, friends of friends, kind strangers,

Fiona’s journey began like so many of ours: as a healthy baby, thriving teenager, and adventurous young adult. She lived life to its fullest—traveling the world, building a successful career, and with many dreams still to fulfill. But everything changed in January 2023, when Fiona and her partner, Inti, took a holiday to Vietnam. What was meant to be a getaway turned into a life-altering moment when Fiona was hospitalised due to pneumonia. After some tests, doctors discovered a mass in her lungs, and that’s when her battle began.

Fiona is the life of every room. Her warmth, energy, and love touch everyone around her. She’s the friend, partner, and family member we all turn to for comfort, advice, or just a good laugh.

Today, we share Fiona’s story in the hope of getting her and her family the help they desperately need. Family and friends have witnessed the immense hardships they’ve faced this year. Despite everything, especially in the last 6 months, Fiona has shown incredible resilience, strength, and grace. Time and again, she has defied the odds and continues to fight with unwavering hope and determination. Fiona is the definition of a warrior, but the battle is far from over, and we still have a long and difficult fight ahead.

One of the reasons we’re launching this campaign is because Fiona and Inti have never, and would never, ask for help—even when they truly need it. They are the type of people who always put others first, offering love and support without hesitation. But now, they are facing a battle that requires all of us to come together to help them. This campaign aims to help Fiona access alternative treatments that will enable her to create more precious memories with her loved ones, especially her baby girl. We want Fiona to be able to experience a life with Raia and for Raia to have the chance to grow up with her Mummy, alongside Daddy, Inti.

** Fiona’s Journey**

Fiona’s battle began in April 2023 when a mass was discovered on her lung. After several tests, she was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer, a rare form of cancer that affects about 4% of lung cancer patients, typically in non-smokers. Fiona immediately began treatment, and for a time, it seemed like things were under control. She even underwent egg freezing, as she always knew she wanted to become a mother. But by January 2024, the cancer mutated, and Fiona faced worsening symptoms, with frequent hospital visits. After weeks of uncertainty, there was hope—her cancer had stabilised.

Then, in February, Fiona and Inti received life-changing news: they were expecting a baby. Against all odds, Raia was conceived naturally, something that felt like a miracle, especially given Fiona’s diagnosis and the treatments she was undergoing. This joyful surprise brought hope during an incredibly difficult time. Though her health was a concern, doctors assured them the pregnancy wouldn’t interfere with her treatment.

In June 2024, things took a devastating turn. At 23 weeks pregnant, Fiona was hospitalised again as the cancer spread, and her treatment options became limited. She suffered two strokes, requiring emergency surgeries to remove blood clots from her brain. After the second surgery, Fiona was left unconscious and in critical condition. Seeing our dear Fiona, who is usually so full of life, intubated and on a breathing machine was one of the hardest things family and friends had to witness. We prayed and prayed.

During this incredibly difficult time, Inti faced the unimaginable decision of whether to deliver their baby early in case Fiona did not make it. But he believed Fiona would pull through, and with unwavering faith, she did. After two months in the hospital, Fiona returned home, but soon faced more complications. In September 2024, Fiona and Inti welcomed their daughter, Raia, born early at 35 weeks. Despite weighing only 1.8kg, Raia was healthy, spending three weeks in special care before going home. Her arrival brought immense joy, especially because her name, Raia, means "hope"—a beautiful reminder of the light she brought into their lives during such a dark time.

** The road ahead **

Fiona’s cancer has spread from her lungs to her spine, bones, brain, and heart, another rare event doctors did not expect. Despite ongoing chemotherapy, doctors have no further treatment options in Australia, and the prognosis is grim. Doctors have informed that her time may be limited to 6-12 months.

However, there is still hope. Fiona and Inti have found Hope 4 Cancer, a clinic offering alternative treatments that could extend her life and give her more precious time with her family, especially her beloved daughter, Raia. The cost of treatment and travel is over $200,000 AUD, and they can’t do it alone.

** How we can help Fiona**

Every donation, big or small, will help Fiona access the treatment she urgently needs and give her the chance to be there for her daughter. Time is critical, and we aim to send Fiona to Mexico as soon as possible for the best chance at survival.

If you can’t donate, please help by sharing this story to spread awareness and gather more support.

Thank you for your kindness—every bit truly counts.

With gratitude,

Family and friends of Fiona

To Fiona, Inti, Raia and the rest of the family, we love you, we are here for you, and we absolutely believe in Fiona’s ability to fight this, to gain more time and to be able to watch Raia grow up.