Hi everyone,

I’m Tahlia, and I have created this fundraiser for my beautiful friend Jacinta Bentley, as she and her family navigate the most difficult time of their lives.

Jacinta is one of the kindest, most generous, sunshine-filled humans you could ever meet. She is 46 years old, brings joy to everyone around her, and is the proudest mum of two sweet boys, James (13) and Louis (9). Anyone who knows Jacinta will tell you her boys are her whole world.

She is also an incredibly talented musical theatre lover, with the voice of an angel. Over the past 10 years, she has appeared in many local productions, been an active committee member of the Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company, and organised countless wonderful community events. She was so excited to be directing the May production of Oliver! and had spent the past several months pouring her heart into preparations. But the day before the very first rehearsal, everything changed.

On Saturday 7th February, Jacinta collapsed.

She was taken to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, where scans revealed a tumour crossing both hemispheres of her brain. In those first few days, close friends remained by her side, while her family travelled from Geelong and Wagga Wagga to be with her. Within days, she was transferred to John Hunter Hospital for a brain biopsy. Her family were there to meet her, and stood beside her as the diagnosis was confirmed.

Glioblastoma.

For those who are not familiar, glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. It grows rapidly and spreads into surrounding brain tissue, making it very difficult to treat. Glioblastoma is a terminal brain cancer. It is a very unfair diagnosis.

She was then transferred to St Vincent’s Private Hospital, and on Friday 27th February underwent further surgery for resection of the tumour. The surgeon was very pleased with how much of the tumour was able to be removed, though this procedure has led to ‘right homonymous hemianopia’ (loss of vision on the right side of the visual field), and a blind spot on the left side of her vision.

On Friday 6th March, Jacinta was transferred to her parents’ home in Wagga Wagga. She spent the following two weeks resting, rebuilding her strength, and preparing for the next phase of treatment. On 23rd March, she began daily radiation and chemotherapy at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre.

She is currently on a well-deserved 4-week treatment break after an intense 6 weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy. Jacinta is being monitored during this break, and a new treatment plan will be decided on towards the end of May, after further tests are completed.

Jacinta has been supported every step of the way by her family, who have remained by her side throughout this entire journey. While she remains positive and hopeful, she and her family are now facing an incredibly challenging journey ahead. This diagnosis has turned life upside down.

Jacinta is currently based in Wagga Wagga for treatment, while her boys remain in Coffs Harbour with their dad. Being apart during this time has been incredibly hard. The boys are travelling back and forth to see their mum whenever possible.

Alongside the emotional toll, the practical and financial pressures have quickly become overwhelming. This fundraiser has been created to help ease the financial burden on the family — allowing Jacinta to focus on her health, while ensuring her boys are supported and cared for throughout this journey.

Funds raised will support:

• helping Jacinta spend precious time with her boys and create lasting memories together

• medical and treatment-related expenses

• loss of income during treatment and recovery

• household and day-to-day living costs

If you are able to donate, we are so deeply grateful.

If you cannot donate, simply sharing this page can make an enormous difference.

Jacinta has always been the person to show up for others. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.

Thank you so much,

Tahlia x

*This fundraiser has been created with the knowledge and support of Jacinta and her family.