Hi everyone,

My name is Lilian, and I have created this fundraiser to support my dear friends Fernando and Fernanda during an incredibly difficult and uncertain time in their lives.

Over the past 15 months, life has changed dramatically for them.

LIFE BEFORE ILLNESS️

Those who know Fernando well would describe him as someone very active, always out and about on the Northern Beaches with their dog Salsa, playing tennis, surfing or planning their next adventure.

But quite suddenly, Fernando has become severely disabled by a complex neurological condition that has dramatically changed both his and Fernanda’s lives, both on their early 40s.

Fernanda had to stop working to become his full-time carer, and they are now facing significant medical, accessibility and financial challenges.

FERNANDO’S MISTERIOUS CONDITION

Fernando was previously an active and independent person. Always ready with a joke and never missing a beat.

He was incredibly smart and sharp, a chartered accountant who had loyally worked at the same company for 12 years and progressed his professional pathway into a very successful career in the fintech industry.

Since June 2025, however, he has developed a serious and progressively disabling neurological condition and was hospitalised 5 times in the last year. Eventually, he had to stop working.

He now struggles with standing and balance, experiences frequent falls, tremors and abnormal movements, double vision, difficulty speaking and swallowing, severe fatigue, cognitive difficulties, memory problems and impaired coordination and judgement.

He needs help with most everyday activities and cannot safely leave their home without assistance.

Despite extensive medical investigations and treatments, doctors are still working to understand exactly what is causing his condition.

Further specialist neurological and genetic testing is now being pursued, including testing that needs to be carried out overseas.

THE MOST URGENT NEED: TO GET FERNANDO BACK HOME SAFELY

One of the most immediate challenges is simply getting Fernando in and out of their home safely.

Their apartment is up a flight of stairs from the carpark, with no lift or ramp providing accessible access. Fernando can no longer safely use the stairs because of his severe balance and mobility problems and risk of falling.

They urgently need a stairlift between the carpark and their home. Without one, Fernando simply can’t come home from hospital, where he has been since 3 September 2026 and is expected to be discharged soon.

The stairlift is not only essential for Fernando to come home, but also to safely leave the apartment for hospital visits, medical appointments, rehabilitation and therapy, and eventually to simply get outside and enjoy some normality again.

THE COST AND COMPLEXITY BEHIND THE STAIRLIFT

The stairlift and its installation are not only costly, but also a complex and lengthy process, which Fernanda is navigating alone.

Because the lift will be installed in the building’s common area, Fernanda has been required to engage several suppliers and professionals and collect highly technical documentation for the Strata.

So far, she has organised the stairlift quote and site survey, an electrical inspection statement and quote, insurance certificates, fire engineering advice, and a quote for the Complying Development Certificate application. However, there is still a lot to navigate, including a vote by the Owners Corporation.

Unfortunately, the Strata has made it clear that responsibility for providing all of this documentation rests with her, so Fernanda has been left to work through the process by herself, while caring for Fernando in hospital.

THE ZEEN WHEELCHAIR

The Zeen wheelchair is also critical for Fernando’s specific needs. It is designed to help people with disabilities to remain as active as possible and continue using the lower body while supported, which is extremely important for maintaining strength, movement and function. It also provides greater stability and helps reducing risk of falls. It will give him greater independence while helping to prevent further loss of mobility.

Unfortunately, it's only available in the US, which increases its cost due to expensive freight fees. If you would like to understand more about why this particular wheelchair is so important for Fernando, you can see how it works here:

Video: https://youtu.be/gaFVLTjXs5o

Website: www.gozeen.com

MEDICAL TESTING AND TREATMENT

Because Fernando’s condition remains complex and the cause is still being investigated, his doctors are pursuing additional specialised neurological and genetic testing. Some of these tests are very expensive and need to be sent overseas for processing.

These investigations are important to help his doctors better understand the underlying cause of his condition and identify potential more targeted treatment options.

WHY THEY NEED OUR HELP

Fernando had to stop working because of his illness, and Fernanda had to give up work to care for him full-time.

They currently have no income and are living from their savings.

Those savings have been supporting their everyday living costs while also covering medical expenses, various therapies, disability equipment, medication and the many additional costs that have come with Fernando’s illness.

But their savings will not last forever.

They have always worked hard, saved hard, been completely independent and never expected to find themselves in a position where they needed to ask others for financial help. It has taken a lot for them to agree to me setting up this page for them.

But I know that they have an incredible community around them, and many people want to help. I hope this fundraiser makes it a little easier for those who are in a position to do so.

HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP

Funds raised will help Fernando and Fernanda with:

Every donation, regardless of the amount, can make a really meaningful difference.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

If you are not in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your community is a wonderful way to help too.

Please share it with your friends, family, colleagues and social networks. You never know who might see it and be in a position to help out.

Fernando and Fernanda have been through an enormous amount over the past year, and they should not have to face the financial burden of this journey alone.

Please help us give Fernando the safe access, medical care and support he needs while his doctors continue searching for answers.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Lilian.❤️