Hi, my name is Sheryl.

I never imagined I’d be here, writing this — but I urgently need your help.

I’ve been diagnosed with a symptomatic pineal cyst — a brain tumour that, while benign, is pressing on vital structures, blocking cerebrospinal fluid flow, and causing severe daily symptoms including: migraine headaches, vision changes, balance issues, limb heaviness, neurological fatigue, and cognitive lapses that leave me exhausted, frightened, and unable to function as I used to.

Due to its size and location, I face worsening — and potentially permanent — cognitive damage and vision loss. My doctors believe I am already experiencing intermittent hydrocephalus, and without surgery I remain at risk of life‑threatening complications, such as an aneurysm.

My health has declined so significantly that I had to leave my job. I am now mostly housebound, living with little to no energy and in near-constant pain.

For years, I was dismissed by doctors in Australia and told it was “nothing to worry about” - but I knew something was wrong. My health continued to worsen until I was fortunate enough to meet world‑renowned neurosurgeon Professor Charlie Teo, who listened, reviewed my case thoroughly, and confirmed surgery was required.

Because of restrictions in Australia, Professor Teo cannot perform this surgery here. I must travel to Spain where, in collaboration with an incredible team at Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz in Madrid, he will perform this much-needed surgery.

The surgery, hospital stay, travel, and recovery support are expected to cost around AU$150,000. As each case is unique, costs may ultimately exceed this.

I am a mum to two beautiful little girls, Ivy (6) and Sophie (4). They are my world. More than anything, I want to be here to watch them grow up — to play, laugh, and live life fully with them. I want to be the mum I was when I had them, before illness and disease stole so much of me. I want them to have me back, and I want myself back, too.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to the surgery that could save my health and my future.

Thank you for reading, for donating, and for sharing. Together, you’re giving me the chance to get my health — and my life — back.

With love,

Sheryl