I never thought I’d be writing something like this for a workmate.

Aaron Areo Smith is not just a colleague — he’s one of us. A hardworking, loyal union member who has always shown up, put in the hours, and done the right thing by the people around him.

Right now, Aaron is facing something no family should ever have to face alone.

His wife, Tina Tower-Smith, is battling stage 4 lung cancer.

Since July 2024, their world has been turned upside down. What began as stage 3B has progressed, with the cancer spreading — including to her brain. Tina has undergone multiple surgeries, including the recent removal of a gland with a cancer mass, and is still facing ongoing treatments, regular scans, and the uncertainty that comes with this fight.

This is not a short-term situation.

This is about time… moments… and being there when it matters most.

Aaron has been doing everything he can — juggling work, hospital visits, and caring for Tina. But the reality is, his leave is running out.

And no one should have to choose between:

• Being there for their partner in their final stages

• Or keeping an income just to stay afloat

That’s why I’m setting this up — as a work colleague and fellow union member — to rally support from:

• Workmates

• Friends

• The wider **Australian Workers’ Union community

• Anyone who believes family comes first

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What This Fund Will Do

This fund is about giving Aaron something incredibly important:

Time.

Time to:

• Be at Tina’s appointments

• Be present through treatment and recovery

• Support her as her condition progresses

• Simply be there — without the pressure of lost income

It will also help cover:

• Everyday living costs while Aaron steps away from work

• Travel to and from medical care

• The ongoing financial pressure that comes with serious illness

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Why This Matters

At the end of the day, this isn’t about money.

It’s about making sure Aaron can sit beside Tina, hold her hand, and not have to worry about whether he can afford to be there.

Because when time becomes limited…

nothing else matters more than being together.

How You Can Help

If you can donate — no matter how small — it will make a real difference.

If you can’t donate, please share this with others.

Let’s wrap around one of our own and make sure he’s not facing this alone.