In 2017, our world changed overnight when my dad George Koutouzis, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma which is an aggressive and incurable blood cancer.

Since that day, Dad has shown more strength than we ever thought possible. He has endured a stem cell transplant, five lines of treatment with hundreds of rounds of chemotherapy and steroids with terrible side effects. Through every hospital stay, every setback, and every painful treatment, he has fought with courage, always worrying more about mum and I than himself.

One morning in February 2026 he woke up gasping for air and was rushed to hospital with oxygen levels of 60 and a heart rate above 150, moments away from cardiac arrest. Unfortunately his most recent lines of chemotherapy has taken an unimaginable toll on his body. It has caused fibrosis of his lungs, along with severe failure of his heart which can no longer properly pump oxygenated blood throughout his body when mobile.

We are raising funds to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator that Dad can safely carry on his lap while moving around. NSW Government do not consider oxygen levels in the blood of a person when moving therefore will not grant our family any assistance.

An oxygen concentrator will allow dad his basic needs such as walking to the toilet, washing, getting to important Doctor and treatment appointments. Basically help enjoy life beyond lying in bed.

He will be able to attend family events, sit by the beach with Mum to eat fish and chips and feel the sun on his face and feed the birds in our garden. This isn’t about luxury it’s about giving dad back moments of normalcy.

Today my once active, independent dad cannot walk across a room, brush his teeth, or shower without becoming severely out of breath. He is now permanently on oxygen and relies on a wheelchair.

If you are able to donate, no matter how small we are deeply grateful. And if you can’t, sharing this page means just as much. Every bit of support helps us give Dad the chance to keep living, not just surviving.

Any extra funds donated will go towards a mobility scooter, spare/replacement oxygen tanks as well as changing our shower to be more accessible.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.

With love,
The Koutouzis Family