Rhanee Lester is an Adnyamathanha & Kuyani woman in need of urgent financial support to assist with the ongoing build up of transport, medical, food and accommodation costs that she needs to be comfortable and adequately supported whilst undergoing renal treatment and significant recovery time.

“A burden shared is a burden halved” is one of Rhanee’s favourite sayings. She uses this reminder to keep telling her story even through the toughest of times and especially during the times when she feels like she herself can become a burden, and not only to the system but to those around her as well.

Rhanee is an Adnyamathanha and Kuyani woman with deep family and community ties to Port Augusta and the Northern Flinders Ranges. She returned home in the hopes of giving back to her community through her employment and advocacy roles after spending a significant amount of time in Adelaide to increase her chance of receiving a kidney transplant which successfully took place in 2020.

Receiving this gift of life has meant returning to the things Rhanee loves; Her Kinship, her Country and her Culture. As a published children’s author, cultural educator and an impactful national consumer voice in Aboriginal kidney health — Rhanee continues supporting people who are navigating their own dialysis and transplant pathways, and the emotional burden of chronic illness that takes its toll on a daily.

Knowing how to help others comes naturally to Rhanee but can often get in the way of the help and self care she needs to set aside for herself to continue showing up when it counts.

Her journey with kidney disease:

Rhanee has lived with kidney disease since 2004 at the age of 18 and has turned her lived experience into a powerfully inspiring story of strength, resilience and determination to not just stay alive but to thrive and live at her highest quality of life to get the best outcomes for mind, body and spirit.

Working across various community engagement roles, peer navigation, national advocacy, using spiritual care and culturally sensitive practices and approaches to improve life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Rhanee’s tireless efforts to continually support other kidney warriors navigating dialysis and transplantation brings First Nations perspectives into research and policy has never gone unnoticed to those impacted by her presence.

How the funds will be used:

The total cost of medically‑required travel and living expenses for the period 11 February to 27 February 2026, including an additional two weeks of ongoing treatment, is estimated at $9,600. Family and friends have provided full in‑kind accommodation support valued at around $5,400. This reduces the out‑of‑pocket cost to $4,200. Despite this support, the remaining financial burden remains significant due to the extended duration of treatment, daily hospital attendance, and associated living costs in Adelaide.

Any additional funds raised beyond the target will be used towards ongoing medical expenses.