Chemo leaves mum of 2 as incomplete quadriplegic

Everyone has a story. In the realm of life, trials find their way to every one of us, through poor health, loss, or financial dismay; they shape us as unforeseen paths unfold challenging our direction, stories yet untold. Let me share a story of a very special person and her unexpected path. Her name is Naleeta and she is wife to Steven and mother of two beautiful young boys Ezra (9) and Jude (7). In May 2021 Naleeta was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and as a result of chemotherapy overdose she has been left as what they classify as an ‘incomplete quadriplegic’ due to the permanent damage the chemo had on her spine. 

Loss in whatever form it takes is perhaps the most transformative experience of all. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a significant opportunity, it leaves an indelible mark on our souls. We learn to navigate the depths of grief, and in doing so, we develop a newfound empathy and compassion for others who are also experiencing pain. It reminds us of the fragility of life and encourages us to cherish every moment we have with the people we hold, dear. 

If you knew Naleeta and her story before she fell ill you knew she was always the type of person who helped and someone you could rely on. Someone who offered endless amounts of her time and energy in service to her family, friends, work, church and school community both ‘seen’ and ‘unseen’ often going above and beyond to help anyone in need and always willing to help lighten someone’s load. She has most definitely touched and contributed to many lives and made a difference for good that’s for sure. Her efforts have been noteworthy and praiseworthy.

In this difficult time for Naleeta and her family they have been truly blessed with wonderful, caring, kind and loving nurses, special friends and family members who have worked tirelessly around the clock for Naleeta and Steven to help with the responsibilities of having a young family and raising their children. The Garcia family are very grateful for all that has been given to them from meals provided, house cleaning, washing, taking the boys out and the many prayers offered for and on their behalf have certainly been felt and very much appreciated. Much of this help and support has been what has helped Naleeta to keep her faith while fighting her battle and try to remain strong even when she has not wanted to. There have been many moments when she has wanted to give up. It has been, and continues to be, a very long, gruelling and exhausting trial not only physically for Naleeta but also mentally, spiritually, emotionally and financially for Steven who has had to find the time and balance between working full time, care for their young family, love and care for Naleeta and raise two little boys. He has done an outstanding job at all these things in fulfilling his role and responsibilities as a loving and selfless devoted husband and father.

Whilst Naleeta has come a long way and is making small steps at a time in physical progress which is very encouraging to see, she is still unable to use her legs. She continues to work very hard supported by her wonderful and dedicated team of therapists, doctors and health professionals as she continues to experience incredible levels of pain daily as a result of the lasting effects of chemo and current treatments on her body. 

Fortunately, Naleeta has 24/7 care supported with NDIS funding that supports her personal needs and care. Unfortunately, she continues to miss out on most things Steven does alone with the boys all in a massive effort and sacrifice he makes to keep Ezra and Jude’s lives and childhoods as relatively normal as he possibly can. It has been a long, lonely and exhausting process and experience, both personally and collectively for this poor family. Imagine how these little boys and Naleeta and Steven would feel if they had the freedom and ability to do more things together as a family? This can be made possible and is where financial help and support is really needed. 

This story is long and both Naleeta or Steven are not expecting this or asking for any help but financial help and support would make a significant difference right now to purchase a family car that can accommodate her wheelchair as she yearns to be a wife and mother and spend whatever time she can with her boys as a family to do those simple things that sometimes we complain about or struggle to fit in our busy lives. Simple yet important things like grocery shopping, school drop offs or pickups etc. Going to church as a family or the occasional family outing are also some of the things she wishes she could do but is unable to do due to her situation of being confined to a large electric wheelchair.

This requires transport prebooking’s with set pick up times, not to mention the cost and affordability and freedom to do these ‘simple’ things, it has not been that simple at all. Naleeta’s day to day health also make’s the scheduling of outings difficult to plan for as anyone who is familiar with spinal cord nerve damage can understand your health condition can vary from day to day.

A small team of people are aiming to raise money for Naleeta and her family to purchase a KIA carnival van that can be modified to fit her electric wheelchair and her family in comfortably so that she can go do those school drop offs and pickups if she wishes or be at that school assembly, special event or even stay a while back at church and talk without having to worry about a pre booked taxi waiting for her limiting her time and freedom (we all know how much Naleeta loves to talk).

Naleeta and her family have missed many significant events and moments the past couple of years while battling her cancer as she remained in hospital for over a year, she deserves more time now with her family that she is home to be the mother in whatever capacity she can provide to her boys and have the freedom to go places, even somewhere special on a date night once in a while. This would mean the world to her and her family right now. 

We are looking to raise anything to help this family but our goal is to reach 80k for a van and then the funds to modify it to make it wheelchair accessible. It would be truly amazing if it were made possible through kind donations no matter big or small that Naleeta and Steven will have direct access to a nominated account set up for them. 

Our financial efforts and support collectively can make a significant difference and long-term change in the wellbeing of Naleeta and her family's lives right now as they continue to face the numerous challenges in their current situation. If you’re still reading this, thank you so much for reading Naleeta’s story. It truly is heartbreaking. Please share her story and continue to keep her, Steven and her children, Ezra and Jude, in your thoughts and prayers, they really do need them. Every bit of help and prayer will make such a difference in her life. God bless!