My name is Ross and I’m wanting to raise some much-needed money to help a friend in need, Tony Den. I first met Tony in early 2018. while he was in hospital receiving a stem cell transplant. Both Tony and I suffer from a rare and incurable blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma, so I can really appreciate how tough the treatment journey has been for Tony since his diagnosis. Losing all your hair and feeling like death warmed up is not an enjoyable experience. We have coined the phrase “Warriors” for those with Multiple Myeloma as we are literally in a fight for our lives. Tony was diagnosed only 3 months after ex Cyclone Debbie flooded the ground floor of their home in Lismore in 2017. It’s never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer but this was an extra blow. Tony and family got through that flood and the cancer treatment. He is currently in remission and has been enjoying life as best he can until this dreaded cancer will once again resurface forcing him into more treatment and hospital visits.

Tony and his partner Kim and two boys aged 18 and 16 have been hit hard by the February 2022 floods in the Lismore region. Their two-storey home had at least a metre of water through the top floor, so they have lost virtually all their possessions. They were told to get onto the roof, ready for a helicopter evacuation but were unable to do that. They were eventually evacuated by boat from the top floor balcony whilst the water was lapping around their knees.

They have insurance cover thankfully, but we know that will likely take a long time before their home is anywhere near back to a liveable condition. Some items such as a camper trailer were not covered by insurance so this flood will cost them dearly. They are not ones to put their hand out for charity or ask for help. They have been working long hours trying to salvage what they can from the flooded mess. To top things off they were once again evacuated recently as Lismore flooded for a second time in 30 days. As well as the financial burden, I can’t imagine the mental stress all this is causing Tony and his family.

I would dearly like to raise some money to help Tony and his family out through this very tough period in their lives. The money can be used any way they wish such as food, clothes, and other essentials of life, or even to hire some help to clean up the mess. Please help me help Tony and his family by donating a few dollars. Every little bit helps.