Hi everyone

I’m Naomi, and I am fighting Melanoma. I wish I didn’t need to ask for help but I didn’t realise my super couldn’t help me in my circumstances … we live n learn!

My initial melanoma fight was an ‘easy’ one - back in August 2023 I had a mole removed from my face (temple) and some subsequent surgeries (inc lymph node biopsies as per one of the photos) and that was it!

Then in July 2024 things got complicated - as it turns out, my melanoma was spreading through my lymph nodes. The ones in that pic from 2023. Now I have been diagnosed with Stage 3C melanoma, in my lymph nodes and parotid (Saliva) gland - head and neck area.

I am very fortunate it hasn’t spread beyond my head and neck into my bodily organs, or into my brain!

I am a self employed psychologist and I volunteer in animal rights and rescue.

When I rolled over my superannuation I inadvertently failed to select ‘income protection’/insurance … which I had always had before. I have not been able to allocate much ‘spare’/sick leave for these times. And what I have, I’ve already used up during the lead up to this diagnosis (had been unwell for awhile)

I have gone through ALL options to access my own money (my super) but (fortunately, in the big picture!) I am not eligible under compassionate (medical) grounds as my illness is not terminal at this stage (fingers crossed it stays that way!) or hardship grounds, as my income level has been too high for Centrelink eligibility.

And so you might ask … so what’s the problem, If that’s your financial position and your illness isn’t terminal?

I will be starting treatment soon. I have had significant periods of time off work leading up to this diagnosis and during my previous cancer treatment.

I want to keep working (and I will) … but it’s very unlikely that I can keep working the hours I normally do. I am renting the home I live in, and want to keep this arrangement.

I know there are many people and animals who need our support and I don’t expect $ help. Some of you have been supportive already and am so grateful. So no offence if you can’t or don’t feel it’s appropriate ❤️

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments

Love, Naomi