Helping Renee get back on her feet
Donation protected
My name is Angela. I am a friend and sister-in-law to Renee. Together with other friends and family, I wanted to assist Renee with her fight and thought that this would be the best way. I hope that the Ballarat Community and others that live far and wide will help. So please take the time to read Renee's story.
Renee (32) and Mark are the proud parents of two little girls, Sienna (6) and Charlotte (4). Renee is a loving and caring mother who wants nothing but the best for her children without ever asking for anything in return. Together, like most parents, they always try and put the needs of their children ahead of their own.
On Wednesday the 13th of July, 2016, their world was turned upside down. This was the day Renee was diagnosed with cancer. Numerous scans, blood tests and biopsies revealed that Renee had a tumour in her spine. It is a rare tumour that Doctors are lucky to see 20-40 of these in Australia each year. They are usually found in long bones, where the only option is surgery, however, Renee had this tumour growing inside a vertebrae of her lower back and it was now protruding into the soft tissue surrounding her spine. Unbeknown to Renee or Mark, Renee's back was actually broken due to the vertebrae collapsing as a result of the growth of the tumour.
Renee has been in hospital since this date.
On Tuesday the 26th of July, 2016, Renee underwent her first surgery to treat this tumour, nicknamed Terence. After six hours Renee returned a little worse for wear but in good spirits. On Wednesday the 27th of July, 2016, Renee underwent a 12 hour surgery in which doctor's removed the vertebrae and replaced it with a titanium object called a spacer and built a supporting cage out of screws and rods. She spent a night intubated in the ICU.
Needless to say she is in a lot of pain and will remain in hospital for some time.
At present Renee is attempting to walk again. She can now walk a little bit further than yesterday, however, each day is filled with highs and lows. Her constant companions are Wally, the wheelie walker and Betty, the back brace.
Mark is currently trying to maintain some semblance of normality for the two girls, whilst also supporting Renee through her rehab.
Unfortunately, Renee's sick leave entitlements from work have run out. This means that whilst expenses are increasing and medical bills are starting to arrive, funds are also being stretched. They are now reduced to a single income, with Renee unlikely to receive a salary until next year at the earliest. At present they are attempting to sell their house in order to make ends meet.
I would love to take some of the stress away from them. Through the funds you kindly donate, I hope to lessen their financial strain by helping with medical costs and general expenses for the girls.
Every little bit helps, even sharing Renee and Mark's story with others.
Thanks for your time.
Renee (32) and Mark are the proud parents of two little girls, Sienna (6) and Charlotte (4). Renee is a loving and caring mother who wants nothing but the best for her children without ever asking for anything in return. Together, like most parents, they always try and put the needs of their children ahead of their own.
On Wednesday the 13th of July, 2016, their world was turned upside down. This was the day Renee was diagnosed with cancer. Numerous scans, blood tests and biopsies revealed that Renee had a tumour in her spine. It is a rare tumour that Doctors are lucky to see 20-40 of these in Australia each year. They are usually found in long bones, where the only option is surgery, however, Renee had this tumour growing inside a vertebrae of her lower back and it was now protruding into the soft tissue surrounding her spine. Unbeknown to Renee or Mark, Renee's back was actually broken due to the vertebrae collapsing as a result of the growth of the tumour.
Renee has been in hospital since this date.
On Tuesday the 26th of July, 2016, Renee underwent her first surgery to treat this tumour, nicknamed Terence. After six hours Renee returned a little worse for wear but in good spirits. On Wednesday the 27th of July, 2016, Renee underwent a 12 hour surgery in which doctor's removed the vertebrae and replaced it with a titanium object called a spacer and built a supporting cage out of screws and rods. She spent a night intubated in the ICU.
Needless to say she is in a lot of pain and will remain in hospital for some time.
At present Renee is attempting to walk again. She can now walk a little bit further than yesterday, however, each day is filled with highs and lows. Her constant companions are Wally, the wheelie walker and Betty, the back brace.
Mark is currently trying to maintain some semblance of normality for the two girls, whilst also supporting Renee through her rehab.
Unfortunately, Renee's sick leave entitlements from work have run out. This means that whilst expenses are increasing and medical bills are starting to arrive, funds are also being stretched. They are now reduced to a single income, with Renee unlikely to receive a salary until next year at the earliest. At present they are attempting to sell their house in order to make ends meet.
I would love to take some of the stress away from them. Through the funds you kindly donate, I hope to lessen their financial strain by helping with medical costs and general expenses for the girls.
Every little bit helps, even sharing Renee and Mark's story with others.
Thanks for your time.
Organizer
Angela Weber
Organizer
Docklands, VIC