Help Lilania kick cancer for the second time!

Our friend and colleague Lilania Kershaw has endured more than most. In 2016, Lilania was diagnosed with and successfully battled breast cancer. In 2018, she was rushed to Royal North Shore for surgery on a ruptured brain aneurysm. Only months later, she had another emergency surgery for an infection that had turned septic, three months later she faced yet another surgery, that’s three in a year. You would think these were the biggest battles Lilania would have to face. Fast forward to September 2021 - the 5 year cancer check-up, when you’re supposed to get the all clear and finally end the worry…

Last week Lilania faced a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery following another breast cancer diagnosis (unrelated to the first). The reconstruction is necessary due to the radiotherapy from 2016 leaving her unable to have implants. It involves relocating tissue from other areas of her body. There are three different sites needing to recover. This can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 4 months.

Of course Lilania is shocked by what’s unfolded in the last few weeks. Who wouldn’t be? There was nothing evident to her. And with cancer, there isn’t really the luxury of taking time to process what’s happening, particularly during Covid – you just need to get it done to ensure the best outcome for yourself. Throughout it all, she maintains the sharp wit and dry humour we all know and love.

Yes she has a little sick leave left, a little rec leave, and some long service. Yes she has private health insurance. But – her out of pocket medical expenses of the last 5 years have cleaned out any savings, and she is now facing further out of pocket medical expenses, which have already reached $40,000 in the last few weeks. It’s unbelievable.

Lilania has made a huge contribution over 17 years to the agencies that make up DCS, predominantly in communications, engagement and training roles. We know that she has friends and colleagues throughout the business and beyond that would be willing to pitch in if they knew she was unwell. It’s hard to ask for help. With Lilania’s permission, we are doing it for her.

We are seeking your assistance to ease some of the immediate financial pressure she is facing with this latest battle. Any assistance is appreciated and you are welcome to share this message more broadly.

Thank you for supporting Lilania. We wish her a smooth recovery and look forward to having her working with us again soon.

Her friends,

Tina, Christine, Callista, Jodie, Louise, Cathy, Mel & Deb