Help Support Melia Hinks fight acute Osteosarcoma cancer

The Hinks family are my heroes. Truly — they are some of the kindest, most generous people you will ever meet and everyone who knows them will agree!

Today I’m asking everyone to come together to support this beautiful, hardworking family during a time of unimaginable challenge.

Melia Hinks is like any young woman just beginning her life journey. She’s the eldest daughter in a close-knit family of four kids, and she has always been full of passion and purpose. Growing up on Magnetic Island in North Queensland, Melia has dedicated herself to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and sharing its wonders with visitors through her family’s beloved local tourism business. She has a gift for photography, a deep love for the ocean, and a heart that lifts up everyone around her.

Not long ago, Melia was by her mum’s side as she bravely overcame cancer, supporting her family with strength beyond her years.

Now, heartbreakingly, it’s Melia’s turn to face a devastating challenge.

Melia has recently been diagnosed with acute Osteosarcoma cancer, an aggressive and rare disease that has turned her world upside down overnight. About 200 Australians are diagnosed with bone sarcoma each year, and she is one of them. She has already undergone major 12 hour surgery and has begun intensive chemotherapy, with several months of treatment still ahead.

The reality of this disease is that Melia is facing hurdles no 22 year old should. Not able to work with such an intensive treatment plan means no income since November when she was diagnosed. Half the treatment being completed in Brisbane every 2 weeks, travel expenses, IVF as a result of chemo induced infertility, extensive medications, still paying rent and trying to get by- it adds up.

University, travel, career opportunities, have all been put aside.

Her partner, family, and friends are doing everything possible to be there for her — emotionally, physically, and financially. But this is a long and difficult road, and they cannot walk it alone.

My friends, Steph & Adam, Melia’s parents have been by her side every step of the way, but as small business owners on Magnetic Island running amazing Great Barrier Reef Tours, they are juggling the impossible: caring for their daughter while keeping their business running to support their family, community and livelihood.

I was fortunate to meet Melia’s parents years ago through a Great Barrier Reef program, and I am proud to call them my friends. Because the Hinks family are not the type to ask for help, I’ve taken the step to share their story on their behalf.

How You Can Help

Every contribution, large or small, will make a difference. Donations will help cover the many costs that come with Melia’s treatment, from medical bills and travel expenses to living costs for her and her family.

If you’re unable to assist financially, other forms of support are just as meaningful:

• Gift vouchers for food delivery, pharmacy, massage, or health services

• Comfortable clothing, pajamas, or care items for Melia during treatment

• Vouchers for services in Magnetic Island (near Townsville) or Brisbane, or online vouchers that can be used from anywhere

Your generosity will help ease the immense burden on Melia and her family, allowing them to focus on what matters most: her healing and recovery.

Let’s surround this incredible young woman and her family with love and support — just as they have always given so freely to their community.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping the Hinks family.