If you have been lucky enough to have met Elaine, you would know what an adventurous, thoughtful and charismatic person she is. A happy go lucky soul so full of laughter and dreams, she’s a keen traveler having just returned after her ski season in Sweden. Elaine was merely days away from her two-year adventure in Canada when we unfortunately received the gut-wrenching news that she had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. ALL is a rare, aggressive cancer in her bone marrow and blood affecting the over production of white blood cells.

She has already undergone multiple forms of treatment including lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies and blood transfusions. She is now undergoing grueling rounds of chemotherapy, including a fortnightly injection into her spine. Elaine’s treatment is expected to take a minimum 18 months.

It is difficult to comprehend the harsh reality of her life for the next days, weeks, months probably years. Any donations are so greatly appreciated and allows our family to support Elaine without the intense financial pressure of all the associated costs of medication, transport and comfort items. A percentage of funds will also be allocated to research. Despite the challenges, Elaine continues to radiate optimism approaching every procedure with an inappropriate joke making us all smile and laugh. As her older sister watching her resilience is truly admirable and leaves me so proud.

A big thank you for your support, whether it be a donation or messages. It really means the absolute world seeing everyone come together to help.