If you know my sister Tiana, you’ll know she is incredibly kind, generous, thoughtful, and has a wonderful sense of humour. She is a devoted and nurturing mum to Noah and Lara, and a loving wife to James. She’s also a gifted professional violinist who has spent many years performing and teaching, sharing her passion for music and inspiring joy in her students.

In early June 2025, everything changed in an instant. Tiana had a seizure in her sleep, and within hours our family received the devastating news that she had brain cancer. Scans revealed two malignant brain tumours – one in an operable area and one that cannot be removed. Within days, Tiana underwent surgery to remove as much of the operable tumour as possible, confirming the brain tumour is a higher-grade astrocytoma. We have learnt this aggressive type sends tentacle-like growths into surrounding brain tissue, making it impossible to fully remove. Tiana is now undergoing intensive radiation and chemotherapy to target both tumours, with the hope of slowing their growth. Heartbreakingly, Tiana’s cancer cannot be cured, and even with treatment, it will continue to grow and is expected to become more aggressive over time.

It’s a cruel diagnosis, made even harder knowing that Tiana and my Dad, Keith, passed away from a similar brain tumour at the same age of 40, when Tiana was just four years old. The devastating reality of history repeating itself – and the thought of Noah and Lara facing what we have been through, and knowing that James will one day be a single parent just like our Mum – is heartbreaking beyond words.

Before her diagnosis, Tiana poured her energy into her family, her music, and her community. She loved performing with Camerata - Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, and teaching at the same school for many years. Tiana is an incredibly loving mum whose kind heart has created a home overflowing with love and connection, filled with music, laughter, board games, and taco Tuesday nights. Now, her world has been turned upside down. She is unable to work, unable to drive, and is coping with the side effects of her cancer and treatments, all while facing an uncertain future.

Tiana’s faith in Jesus remains strong, and she draws comfort, hope, and peace from that every day. But just like Tiana’s heart for others, her greatest concern is for her family - especially the impact this awful illness will have on James and her kids.

While we are incredibly grateful for the Australian health system, there are still many financial pressures building. With Tiana unable to work, we want to ease the burden on her family so they can focus on spending precious time together.

Our goals for this fundraiser are to:

• Keep Noah and Lara at their much-loved, supportive school until Year 12.

• Support Noah and Lara to continue their extracurricular activities - things that bring joy, stability, and normalcy to their lives (like gymnastics, cello, and soccer).

• Provide longer-term psychological support for Noah and Lara as they process and navigate the long road ahead.

• Help cover everyday living costs and bills so James can focus on caring for Tiana and the children without added stress.

We are deeply aware that the future is uncertain. We hope and pray that Tiana’s journey will be long, but we know every moment counts. Our wish is to give her the freedom to spend that time making memories, surrounded by love, without the weight of financial worry.

Any donation - big or small - will make a difference. If you can’t give financially, we would be so grateful if you could please share this page and keep Tiana, James, Noah, and Lara in your prayers.

On behalf of our whole family, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and love.