Help Carly and her family while she fights Leukaemia

Carly is 45 years old, she lives in East Geelong with her 7-year-old son, Gene and husband, Dave.

In May 2025 Carly went to the GP feeling exhausted and with unexplained bruising. Mere hours later, Carly was admitted to hospital and soon diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). The cancer has spread from her bones into her bloodstream and within 5 days of diagnosis, Carly was commencing her first of many high dose chemotherapy treatments.

This sudden diagnosis has shocked Carly and her family, completely disrupting their lives. Carly, Dave and Gene have been living in the Geelong and Bellarine area for over 5 years. 18 months ago they bought their first home, soon after, Gene started school and they have since found a wonderful, like-minded and supportive local community. Carly is in the final year of a Masters of Education (Secondary) at Deakin University and has been working part time while she finishes her studies. Carly is also an accomplished writer, having published essays in books such as Growing Up in Country Australia and ACE II: Arresting Contemporary stories from Emerging Writers, as well as work in The Big Issue and Verandah Journal. In 2021, Carly was awarded the Judith Rodriguez Memorial Prize for professional and creative writing. Gene is in Grade 1 and has been thriving at his local primary school, instantly building a great friendship group and playing basketball and under 9’s footy at the local AFL club. Dave is a carpenter and has been working long hours to pay the mortgage and support his family, while also working on their house in his spare time.

Carly is in hospital for the foreseeable future. As the cancer is in Carly’s blood, as well as her bones, she is facing a long and difficult road ahead. Carly has just finished the first of 6-8 cycles of chemotherapy. These cycles involve chemotherapy through a port in her chest as well as directly into her spine through a lumbar puncture. After this process, Carly will require a bone marrow transplant, which she can only receive in Melbourne. This means that the family will need to temporarily relocate to Melbourne from Geelong. It is hoped that the chemotherapy and transplant will remove the cancerous cells from her blood and bones and that she will make a full recovery in the months and years to come.

This next phase of their lives will bring enormous strain. We cannot carry the emotional burden and sorrow for Carly, Dave and Gene, but we can lessen the financial impact of this illness. With Carly studying and working part time, in addition to the cost of living pressures felt by so many at the moment, the family are already under significant financial pressure and this diagnosis will add further strain. Carly will not be able to work for at least 12 months, and Dave will be required to do reduced hours. They are at risk of being unable to afford mortgage repayments, bills and other essential living costs.

Having financial support would enable their family to be together in Geelong and support them to temporarily relocate to Melbourne for treatment. This support will allow Dave to care for, and spend time at home with Gene, and at hospital with Carly, while he is not receiving a full-time wage. It will support the family to continue to pay their mortgage, enable Gene to continue playing basketball and footy with his mates, and cover out of pocket medical costs.

I am Dave’s only sibling and have a very close bond with my brother, sister-in-law and nephew. I’ve started this fundraiser with the support of Dave and Carly’s family and closest friends.

We thank you for your generosity and encouragement and we hope to make a real difference for this beautiful family.

Estimated Expenses to Support Carly and Her Family

To help explain our fundraising goal and show exactly how your generosity will support Carly, Dave, and Gene, we’ve put together a breakdown of the estimated costs they’re facing over the next 12 months. These are indicative figures only, designed to offer transparency and clarity around what this incredibly tough time will mean financially. While the actual costs may vary, this list captures the essential expenses that your donations will help cover.

1. Medical and Treatment-Related Costs

2. Loss of Income

3. Support for Gene