Hi, my name is Ashleigh. I’m a mum of a 10 year old and a 12 year old, and in July 2025 my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer called bilateral carotid body tumours. Both sides of my neck are affected, and the cancer has also metastasised to my spine. Fewer than 40 cases like mine have ever been recorded in medical history (I may now be number 41.)

In November 2025, I underwent major surgery to remove the tumour on my right carotid artery. Leading up to that surgery, I took on extra work with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Menulog to try to support my family alongside my regular job. After surgery, I was completely exhausted and used up most of my leave just trying to recover.

Over Christmas and New Year’s, I underwent radiation treatment on the tumour in my spine (T4). I spent most of that time asleep from sheer exhaustion. By then, I had only a few days of leave left. When I returned to work, I could only manage four hours a day and had to take leave without pay. The radiation to my spine is considered palliative, surgery isn’t an option.

On January 22nd, I had my second surgery. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as hoped. While the smaller tumour was removed, the larger 5cm tumour was found to be tangled through my facial nerves. Removing it would have left me unable to talk, swallow, or move my tongue. The surgeon had no choice but to leave it in place. I now need radiation again.

This recovery has been brutal. My blood pressure has repeatedly spiked over 200. I’ve had relentless vomiting, severe migraines, and I’ve developed Harlequin Syndrome (where half my face turns hot, red, and sweaty while the other half stays cold.)

We had some savings, but they won’t carry us through months of lost income. I do have income protection insurance, but there’s a 90-day waiting period from my last pay, which means three months with no income at all.

I didn’t want to create this GoFundMe. My husband Murray would rather take on a second job than ask for help. But the truth is, I need him here with me and our kids. This fight is hard, and I can’t do it alone.

Anyone who knows me knows I would drop everything to help someone else. Asking for help is the hardest thing I’ve ever done but right now, my family truly needs it.

If you’re able to donate, even a small amount, it would help cover basic living costs, medical expenses, and take some of the pressure off while I focus on treatment and recovery. If you can’t donate, sharing this page means just as much.

From the bottom of my heart; thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for being part of our fight.