Our Story

Our world turned upside down in July 2024 when Brendan was rushed to the ER. What we thought was a straightforward medical issue quickly spiraled into a series of traumatic events and a Bowel Cancer Diagnosis. After surgery, Brendan experienced serious complications that required multiple late night emergency visits, leading to a drastic shift in his diagnosis — early stage to now facing Stage 3 Bowel Cancer only 12 months later.

This is Brendan's second battle with cancer in just one year. The weight of these diagnoses has been overwhelming, not only for him but for our whole family. We’ve had to make difficult decisions, move home, Brendan stopped work, all while adjusting to our new reality in a cost of living crisis. Ebony has had to switch to a full time job, as well as take on more responsibility at home, more life admin etc to ease the burden for Brendan. Brendan has stopped paid employment while he goes through a 3 month battle with aggressive chemo. He has bravely stepped into the full-time role of caring for our 6-year-old son, even while managing the daily trauma of his illness and struggle to pay the bills with Ebony's support.

Now, as Brendan undergoes aggressive chemotherapy, the pressure is mounting. With ongoing medical costs, the financial strain of missing work, and the emotional and physical toll this journey has taken on our little family, we are reaching out to ask for help.

How You Can Help

Brendan’s fight is far from over. While his medical team is doing everything they can over the next 3-6 months, the road ahead will be long, painful, and costly. We’re seeking support to help cover:

Medical Expenses: Ongoing doctor visits, medications, and other treatments not covered by insurance.

Daily Living Costs: With both of us adjusting our work schedules and taking on additional caregiving responsibilities, making ends meet has become increasingly difficult.

Mental Health Support: The emotional toll on Brendan and our family is immense. Therapy, support groups, and counselling will be essential for us to stay strong.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, will help us continue to fight. Your support will provide Brendan (and me) with the strength and peace of mind to focus on his recovery without constantly worrying about finances.

Why We Need Your Support

Brendan is a fighter. He's been through so much already, but he’s determined to beat this cancer for his family. However, the reality is that without the community’s support, the financial burden is becoming too much for us to bear. We are asking for your help so that Brendan can focus on his health and we can continue to care for our son during this difficult time.

As a family, we are committed to giving back. Ebony now works full-time in radiology healthcare, passionately helping others get diagnosed early, and both of us regularly volunteer in our community. We’ve always believed in supporting others, and this is a time when we need that support ourselves.

Before his diagnosis, Brendan was the proud Soccer Captain of the St Catherine's soccer club in Brisbane West. He showed up every single week (to training and the game) to lead by example, inspiring his team with the belief that no matter what, you can always show up with the right attitude. His leadership and dedication to the team have been an inspiration to all who know him.

We are incredibly grateful for any contributions you can make, whether financial or by sharing this page. Your kindness and generosity will make a world of difference in our lives.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.

With love,

Ebony, Brendan, and Ruben