In June 2025, my cousins wife, Lisa, mum of 2 teenage boys Pat (15) & Eddy (12), underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered a rare pleomorphic astrocytoma glioneuronal tumour in her occipital lobe — a slow-growing, paediatric-type tumour that had gone undetected for years. Though benign, it caused catastrophic brain swelling and fluid build-up, placing severe pressure on her brain stem and leaving her just days from tragedy.

Lisa’s life changed overnight — from years of being misdiagnosed and told her chronic migraines, fainting, and fatigue were “just stress,” to being told she had a tumour in her brain. Within one week she went from a scan, to diagnosis, to life-saving craniectomy and tumour resection surgery, followed by time in ICU and the neurosurgical ward.

Now living with an acquired brain injury, Lisa faces daily challenges with brain and visual fatigue, memory and concentration, and migraine management. She attends frequent specialist appointments, MRIs every three months, and is under the care of a large multidisciplinary medical team.

Lisa has exhausted her sick and long-service leave, and the financial burden of ongoing treatment, travel, and recovery costs is significant. Despite her strength and positivity, this journey has been physically, emotionally, and financially draining for her and her family.

Lisa has always been the first to help others — through her work, her school community, and her kindness — but now she needs her community’s help. Your contribution, no matter how small, will help cover her medical costs, therapies, and essential living support while she focuses on her recovery and regaining her independence.

Thank you for standing with Lisa and surrounding her with love, care, and strength as she continues her long road to healing. ❤️‍