Ivy's Memories of her Mum

Six year old Ivy won't have her mum to guide her through the challenges of puberty. She won't have her mum to wipe her tears the first time a boy breaks her heart. When she graduates high school, Ivy won't be greeted by her mum's beautiful face, beaming with pride. Her mum won't help her plan her wedding, or support her in bringing her own babies into the world. Ivy's big brother Jaye, 21, is also unlikely to be able to introduce his future children to their grandmother. Ivy and Jaye's time with their gorgeous mum Helen is limited by cancer.

Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 35 years of age, Helen has been let down by our health care system. On more than one occasion, Helen's concerns for her health were dismissed as "overreacting" and the cancer quickly metastasised to her bones. Helen's treatment was gruelling, with chemotherapy, radiation, monthly blood tests, body scans, injections, daily medication and finally a hysterectomy. Now her days are numbered, marred by chronic pain, nausea, and the harsh reality that she won't be around to help her children navigate life.

Help us ensure that Ivy's memories of her mum are of adventure, laughter, smiles and love, rather than of pain and suffering. Before Helen is too ill to travel, we'd like to send the family (including husband Ben) to Disneyland in LA followed by Hawaii for a little rest and recuperation. Your support in achieving this major bucket list item for Ivy and her family would be greatly appreciated by all of us. Whether it's $1 or $100, every little bit will help Ivy, Helen and Ben try and live out a simple dream that so many of us take for granted.