My sister is facing the most heartbreaking challenge of her life. Pregnant with her second child and mum to a two-year-old, she was working as a dedicated General Practice Doctor until her life changed overnight when she was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Earlier this year, she took significant time off work to care for our terminally ill father. Now, only months later, she has undergone brain surgery while pregnant — a terrifying and exhausting ordeal for any mother.

The risk of further seizures has left her unable to work, and it’s unclear whether she will ever be able to return to the career she loves. With a toddler at home and another baby on the way, her focus is on staying healthy for her young family as long as possible.

There is hope. Voranigo (vorasidenib) has been shown to halt tumour growth in people with grade 2 IDH-mutant astrocytomas, delaying the need for radiation or chemotherapy. Although the medication has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), it is not yet covered by Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). At more than $20,000 per month, the cost is overwhelming — yet a life should never have a price tag.

We are seeking support for the first three months of medication. So any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in helping Melissa access this life-extending treatment.

If you are able to donate or share this page, our family would be deeply grateful. Thank you for helping lighten this impossible load and giving her a little more hope during the hardest chapter of her life.