Help Dans through Breast Cancer

Our beautiful friend, Dans, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and immediately started treatment and preparation for a bilateral mastectomy, with the likelihood of chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation. Her first major surgery was last week, to figure out the extent of the cancer, and complications arising from that mean she is currently in hospital for the foreseeable future, recovering and waiting to work out the next stage of treatment.

Dans is being incredibly brave and positive, but she's been plunged into a new reality, where she's not only separated from her little ones and her partner, Mickey, but she's also anxiously awaiting the information they need to make plans for what's next. She's in such a difficult place, and we're trying to work out what we can all do to provide support.

Obviously this means that Dans and Mickey have had to massively reduce their paid work and income, for an unknown period of time. But they still have to pay all the usual bills, rent, fees and outgoings, as well as new costs associated with healthcare. We're figuring out direct support like meal trains and childcare assistance, but they also need money, to be able to stay in their home and keep everything running with Dans out of action. Dans doesn't have the kind of job with built in entitlements for times like this, and Mickey's paid leave is limited, so it's really up to whoever can pitch in.

Maybe you know Dans through her incredible artworks, including The Lost Petition, IWD actions, and her regular arts practice. Maybe you know her relentless advocacy on behalf of women and children who are victims and survivors of male violence. Maybe you know her as a fellow mum, through parenting networks where she always participates so generously. Maybe you know her through the vintage community, or the neighbourhood near home, or family or friends. Maybe you've seen her speak at vigils, art exhibitions, political events or just one on one, so you know her staunch commitment, her huge heart and belief that we can do better, is what drives her activism, her art and her place in the world. Maybe you're just meeting her now, and you want to help another mum who is facing one of the toughest times in her life, by helping us build up the support network around her as she does the hardest work of all, by herself.

Dans, Mickey, Viva and Vali are being directly supported at home and in hospital by immediate family and close friends, including her mum and dad, Cathy and John, sister Sherri, and Mickey's family, Tony, Marjie and Marc. The risks of Covid are still high, and with Dans immunosuppressed we need to manage access to her, her home and family really carefully. Her mum is also heading into hospital soon, and she's another regular carer, so some of the funds raised here will go towards paid childcare as well.

But we wanted to let you know how you can help make this time a little bit better, by easing some of the financial stress that insists on making itself felt no matter how much else you have to deal with. I know there are so many people who appreciate Dans' endless work, care and love, who will want to contribute! Even a few dollars is so welcome, and everything counts towards our modest goal, to help supplement Dans and Mickey's incomes while they get through this.

One of Dans' singular passions is all things vintage and she has built up an amazing collection of treasures over the years. She wants to open it up for sale, so we'll also be announcing a huge vintage market later on, to be arranged around surgeries and treatment, so she can be there. So donations to this gofundme will count as credit to be spent there, on a one for one basis! All proceeds of the market day will go to Dans and family, with any remaining stock to be listed for sale online afterwards. Watch this space for your invitation.

The main priority now is getting around this little family with what we can offer from afar, which is hopefully a good chunk of change, to make everyday life as stable as possible while they manage this huge upheaval. While there is no amount too small, there is also no pressure to donate, as we know that things are tough for so many of us right now. But whatever you can spare will go straight to Dans and her family, so please consider giving what you can.

We'll provide regular updates here, and if you get in touch with any questions, we'll do our best to help.

With love

Karen and Anna