On December 16th, 2025, our beautiful sister and best friend Samantha Helena lost her husband Luciano Besek unexpectedly. As high school sweethearts, they truly grew up together, building a life side by side and deeply dependent on one another through every season. Luciano was her partner of 19 years, husband of 10 years, father to their eight children, and her full time carer.

Over the last three years especially, Samantha became increasingly dependent on Luciano following the diagnosis of multiple chronic illnesses. During flare ups she is often bedbound, experiences weakness in her legs that can leave her unable to walk after seizures, and at times struggles with speech impediments. Luciano was the constant that ensured she was safe, cared for, and never alone through it all.

Luciano was the glue that held this family together. He managed every bill, every appointment, every school run, every late night, and every unseen responsibility that comes with caring for a wife with complex medical needs while raising eight children with unwavering love, faith, and devotion.

The children are still so young, ranging from 17 to 7 years old. Samantha is deeply mindful of protecting their hearts during this time. She does not want her children to feel the burden of having to step up in ways they should not have to, especially while grieving the loss of their father. They deserve the space to grieve, to be children, and to heal, with the right supports and resources in place for every single member of the family.

In the immediate aftermath of Luciano’s passing, we were deeply moved by the generosity shown to help lay him to rest. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Those gifts carried this family through an unimaginable moment.

Now, we are humbly asking for help again, this time to face the long term reality.

Today marked another profoundly emotional milestone as Samantha attended Centrelink to formally declare that Luciano is no longer her carer. With that declaration came the heavy reality that not only has she lost her husband, but the person who ensured the day to day survival of their family.

Why this support is needed

All funds raised will be carefully saved and managed for Samantha and the children, overseen by Samantha alongside professional supports that have already stepped in, including financial counselling services. Every dollar will be used responsibly, prayerfully, and with intention.

This support is to help ease financial stress during the interim, while longer term plans and supports are put in place. It allows Samantha to focus on her health, her grief, and her children, without the constant weight of financial fear being one more thing she has to carry.

The immediate and ongoing needs include:

• Schooling for 2026

All eight children attend private school, a decision deeply rooted in the family’s faith and values. Despite living solely on Centrelink, education was always Luciano’s highest priority. Each child received a new uniform every year.

One child will be starting high school in 2026 and currently has no uniform or starter items purchased yet.

School uniforms, shoes, bags, books, technology requirements, and general school paraphernalia.

• Medical and disability related expenses

Samantha lives with complex and chronic conditions including:

Fibromyalgia

Functional Neurological Disorder with functional seizures

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Complex Pain Syndrome

A blood disorder

Gynaecological issues

Multiple other ongoing medical conditions

While an NDIS application has begun, it is a lengthy process and eligibility is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, most of the limited fortnightly income goes toward private medical specialists, monthly prescription medications, and ongoing private therapy to help manage pain, trauma, grief, and mental health.

• Ketamine therapy

Funds are being set aside to help trial ketamine treatment for pain and mental health support. This is a private cost exceeding 10,000 dollars and became necessary due to the sudden and traumatic change in circumstances.

• Basic household essentials

Food, toiletries, clothing, and everyday necessities for eight growing children, including school lunches once the school year begins.

• Internet access

Samantha is often bedbound, and many medical appointments are conducted via Telehealth. Maintaining internet access is essential for her care and communication.

• Transport costs

Maintenance, registration, insurance, and fuel for the family’s car, relied upon daily for school transport and medical appointments.

• Counselling and therapy

Ongoing private therapy and counselling for Samantha and the children as they process grief and trauma.

• Temporary support

This fundraising is intended as short to medium term assistance, helping to relieve financial pressure while longer term supports are established, such as NDIS approval and the appointment of another full time carer.

A final word, reluctant to accept help Samantha Helena also understands that humility is important for us all to express & it's ok to ask for help, with that said , We understand that this time of year is incredibly hard for everyone. Giving is not easy, and we do not take it lightly. Truly and honestly, every cent counts, and as Samantha humbly says, prayer means even more.

This family has never lived extravagantly. They lived with faith, structure, and love, because Luciano carried the weight quietly and faithfully.

If you are able to give, please know that your kindness will directly support a grieving widow and eight children during the most vulnerable season of their lives. If you are unable to give, sharing this page or keeping this family in your prayers is just as deeply appreciated.

Thank you for standing with them in this season of profound loss.

we thank you in Advance , The Besek Family Village