Hi there, my name is Rhonda and I’m raising funds to help pay for flights, expenses and being away from work so far I can go and see my Sister who lives in the USA.

She has been given possibly only days to live. this was only made apparent to us early on Monday morning. I spoke to her in FaceTime on Monday, her hubby held the phone up to her face so I could see her. I was taken aback, I barely recognised my little sister. She looked so weak and so ravaged by this horrendous disease. I thought that this was our final goodbye.

In the last few years our family has taken repeated hits from cancer, a disease that hadn’t touched our family ever. First in 2020, losing one of my own precious daughters Sariah, whose little boy was left without her at the age of 2, the pain of this is still so real and raw. And my Mum, now fighting a continuing battle the disease and then my Sister Kylie from nowhere… diagnosed and within less than a 2 year window is standing at the precipice.

She waited her whole adult life to have a baby, which eventually was gifted via surrogacy in her early 50’s and now to be struck down by cancer before her little boy even has a chance to turn 5 years old. She has tried so many therapies and protocols to try and kill the disease but it has just become too much. She has been with me through so much and my heart is breaking. At many times in my life she has been the only one who has ‘had my back’.

I posted a picture of us in happier times and this raw screen grab from our Monday morning FaceTime chat. Even though she looks as if she is suffering so, want everyone to remember her as that golden curly haired girl with the raucous laugh and crazy sense of humour, and that those who may just want to help can see who she is and will always be.

Flights just now are so expensive mainly because of short lead up time for booking. I usually would simply save my pennies and frequent flyer miles and scan for best prices and book well in advance to be able to get the most affordable flights. I’ve also got to take leave without pay. This is why I decided to try a raise the funds through ‘gofundme’.

It feels strange to me to ask for help in this way. I know that somehow, someway being able to get there will come to pass.

I desperately hope that I can get there before she leaves us.

I don’t know if anyone can help. I don’t know if there is enough time time. I can only ask and hope for the best.

With much gratitude.

Rhonda x