Help the Richardson Family: Rod & Sandra

Hi, my name is Rebecca, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my incredible family—my Aunty Terri, Uncle Rod, and cousins Sandra and Trevor. For over a year, they’ve been navigating unimaginable medical challenges, and now they need help as they face overwhelming care needs and financial strain.

Rod’s Story

In August 2022, my Uncle Rod was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma (Sézary Syndrome), a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer that also affects his lymph nodes and skin. For over two years before his diagnosis, Rod endured ongoing skin issues and discomfort without answers, making the eventual diagnosis all the more devastating.

Rod has recently been placed on the bone marrow transplant list, but the procedure comes with significant risks and no promise of a cure. At best, it may extend Rod’s life, but the process and recovery will be grueling. Despite these challenges, Rod is determined to make the most of the time he has with his family.

Rod and his medical team are currently working on transferring his care from Brisbane to Melbourne to allow him to be closer to his daughter, Sandra, and to ease the burden on his wife, Terri, who has been traveling tirelessly between cities. However, this transfer comes with a heavy cost—Rod will lose access to critical funding he had secured in Brisbane, adding to the financial strain already facing the family.

Sandra’s Story

At 35 years old, my cousin Sandra has been battling heart failure and cardiomyopathy since January 2023. When Sandra was initially hospitalized, her condition was so severe that she spent time in intensive care, where it was touch and go for quite a while.

Since then, Sandra’s life has completely changed. Her heart function has been as low as 17%, and she has lost her independence. Sandra takes more than 22 medications daily to keep her heart pumping and has a defibrillator implanted. This device not only monitors her heart and notifies her medical team of any changes but can also restart her heart if necessary.

Sandra can no longer walk up the stairs at home or enjoy the things she once loved due to the immense strain on her heart. Her condition has now begun to place pressure on her lungs, further complicating her health and quality of life. She is undergoing testing to be placed on the heart transplant list and will face a long recovery journey of up to 12 months if she is approved.

Terri’s Story

My Aunty Terri has been the rock of the Richardson family, balancing the emotional and physical demands of caring for both her husband and daughter. Terri works as an Auslan interpreter, dedicating her life to helping others, but the past year has forced her to step back from her work to prioritize her family.

Terri has spent months traveling between Coffs Harbour, Brisbane, and Melbourne to support both Rod and Sandra. If Rod’s transfer to Melbourne is successful, it will mean less travel for Terri but greater financial challenges for the family without the funding Rod had secured in Brisbane.

Trevor’s Role

My cousin Trevor has been a steady source of support for his family during this challenging time, helping where he can while navigating the emotional toll of watching his loved ones go through so much.

How You Can Help

The Richardson family has faced over a year of relentless health challenges and financial strain. Funds raised will go toward:

Why This Matters

The Richardsons are an extraordinary family who have always given so much to their community. Now, they need our support as they face the reality of Rod’s terminal illness and Sandra’s life-threatening heart condition. Your generosity can help ease their burden, allowing them to focus on spending precious time together and supporting each other through these incredibly difficult times.

Thank You

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word. Every little bit counts and will make a meaningful difference in their lives.