For the Johnstone Family
Christmas 2016 was full of excitement as Ash and Vanessa proudly announced to their families that they were expecting their third child in June 2017. A baby brother for big sisters Maia (8) and Neve (5).
Who would have thought, that only weeks later Ash and Vanessa would be sharing more news, but this time their news was that of devastation and heartbreak.
Ash had been diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer. On the 27th of January he had undergone emergency surgery to remove the tumour in his bowel but unfortunately the cancer had already spread to his liver.
Following the diagnosis, Ash and Vanessa meet with the oncologist to discuss a treatment plan. Ash himself has said he has too much to live for and is set to begin chemo asap and fight this disease head on. This will involve more surgery with Ash having a port inserted under his collar bone and the chemo drugs administered intravenously. We are all hoping with all our hearts he will have a positive response to the chemo and be able to maintain a high quality of life with his young family.
The appointment with the surgeon wasn't as positive unfortunately. He had studied Ash's blood tests and scans and has told them liver resection surgery isn't ever going to be an option as the metastatic cancer has taken over approximately 90% of his liver. This was completely devastating to the family as unfortunately the lesions are so extensive that cutting out all of the tumours wouldn't leave him with enough liver to survive. A liver transplant isn't an option for various reasons. Therefore, chemo is their only hope.
It does seem unfair that this family, like any other in the same situation, be dealt such a cruel hand.Ash and Vanessa are both respected primary school teachers in the community. Ash is unfit to continue working for the foreseeable future and within the next 3 months Vanessa herself will have to take maternity leave to care for not only Ash, but also their growing family. Given what they are facing, the possibility of either of them returning to work is unknown for a long time to come.
Being close family friends we were deeply saddened by their news and wanted to help and show support but were unsure how. I approached them asking if we could start this but at first they were hesitant. Thankfully after much thought Ash and Vanessa have decided to accept our offer of support in order to focus all their attention and strength on maintaining a stable and positive environment for their children and to focus solely on fighting the cancer, rather than the financial burden that dealing with such an illness brings. The money raised will go towards helping to cover Ash’s treatment costs and easing the financial strain associated with his diagnosis.
All donations will be greatly appreciated with thanks.
