Support Nim's cancer & leg-amputation transition

"Having cancer twice in your life is something you would never ever think of happening. Having cancer at all is something no one hopes for. Unfortunately, I’ve had to face both of those.”

My resilient sister, Nimeshi

Hi! I'm Hasitha, fundraising on behalf of my incredibly strong and resilient 19-year-old sister Nimeshi – or as we call her, Nim. Nimeshi’s focus to heal and love her body despite all the trauma it's faced inspires me daily – with the right mental application, anything is possible!

10 years ago, Nim faced her first cancer battle against Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, challenging her and our family emotionally.

Today, she is currently going through her treatment for a rare soft-tissue sarcoma that affects 1% of all cancer patients. It’s a type of cancer that begins in the bone and connective tissues, and with the incredible team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Nim has beaten the odds, but at a large sacrifice...

Recently, Nim had to make the difficult decision to amputate her left leg from above the knee to remove cancerous tissue and increase her chances for a healthy, cancer-free life. We are now moving towards the final stages of her journey where Nim will see herself learning how to use a prosthetic leg and undergo her last few months of chemotherapy.

Nim made her decision and signed her agreement to proceed with amputation.

We’re opening this fundraiser to share Nim’s journey of strength and provide a platform for those who would like to support her recovery and well-being. All contributions will go directly to Nim and help her to cover any/all ongoing and future health-related costs. We know it will take time for Nim to accept, embrace and love her body, and we wish for the community to share their love with her as she takes her first steps with a new leg and returns to routine. She's eager to enjoy and perform dance routines, create shared memories with friends, and complete her Psychology degree, where she can fulfil her dream to help others with their traumas and nurture their minds.

Nim's first time standing a few days after her amputation surgery

“There are moments where suffering can feel constant - to see Nim deteriorate, face tough questions about life, provide care and become carers. It's a deep well of thoughts and questions which holds a persistent cry of ‘How much do I have in me to make it better?’”

Mum, Dad and Me

So, to show Nim my support and how much she inspires me, I will be running 42.2km at the Melbourne Marathon, with her name on my bib! (This is also my first Marathon, eek!)

For locals, the Melbourne Marathon will be happening October 15th. There are distances for every skill level, so feel free get-on with us in support by doing one of the events, supporting roadside, or catching me all wobbly-legged at the finish line! I’ll update you with more when we approach the Marathon.

I believe it’s also important that not all of this comes from me. If you’ve connected with the above, read on to see what Nimeshi’s experience has been like.

“Cancer the first time around was scary because I was young and there was so much unknown to me. Because I didn't know how to understand or deal with the sudden changes from chemotherapy, I was either mute or hardly talking for months. With the love and support of my family, I was able to push through and make an amazing recovery and find happy moments.

Eventually, I was able to live my teenage years by going to school, hanging out with friends, and doing things that made me comfortable and happy. (like Dance!, and playing Valorant). Graduating high school was such a milestone for me that I don’t think anyone could truly understand its gravity. It was about going through such hardship and finally reaching a point in my life where there was more than routine. You could simply do whatever, whenever you wanted. While this might be considered a simple pleasure, for me it was an amazing feeling of freedom.

Last year I completed my first year of Uni and I was thrilled to begin my journey in Psychology. I wanted to channel all my learnings from my hardships into it and help others (It's a huge passion for me!). I was learning how to be more independent and was thoroughly enjoying all the perks of uni life and meeting new and perhaps lifelong friends. Studying is also something I love doing, it feels fulfilling!

It was only in early November of last year I began feeling pain in my left knee, which got progressively worse to the point where it was painful to walk short distances. Initial scans and diagnosis made doctors think the pain was from a tendon strain, only to be reconsidered with further scans and biopsy in January. I was adamant that things would get better, I somehow managed to take part in my studio's Dance concert, and also get my driver's licence!

Unlike the quick and decisive diagnosis and treatment plan when I had Leukemia, it was a long-winded and emotional diagnosis process with Sarcoma. I still remember in February how the initial mention of internal prosthetics and potential amputation frightened me, and brought me to think why me again? Being shown metal inserts and being told my leg and movements won't be the same was like having that freedom I had felt only so recently, fleeing me.

There was still hope that my leg could be saved with the right treatment plan, but nothing was certain with such a large tumour. In April I was told I had two options regarding my surgery: a) I could have an internal prosthetic, which consisted of replacing the affected bone and removing my calf muscles, or b) amputate. It was disappointingly clear to me which one would give me the best shot at life.

I have felt broken, nearly given up, and have dwelled so much on my circumstances, but my mum, dad, and brother have given me unconditional love and comfort in what has been one of the saddest moments in my life that I’ve experienced so far.

I’m now adjusting to my new ways of living while I complete treatment and transition into using a prosthetic, and I know I'll continue to do so with future challenges I face. Although I may still struggle with loving my body again after such a massive change, I’ll never forget the amount of love I have from those surrounding me, and for that, I express my eternal gratitude. I will always continue to be better! Walk, dance, and feel the freedom to move again!"

Hasitha taking Nim to the Stray-Kids concert, wheelchair-bound, the night before my first round of chemotherapy

I sincerely hope you can share the love, and share Nim's story with those around you. It is my greatest wish to have as many people know about her experience, resilience, and journey. I want Nim to feel the love as she pushes through the final hurdles of her treatment!

To my friends and people close to me, they've known how much I'll put on a smile, support, and provide love in every possible way. There have been moments this year where the focus for optimism and hope has waned, and with it my mind and heart too. I give my love and thanks to all of you.

We take the opportunity here to thank those that have supported us through the emotional waves, tears, and silence. Despite the difficulty, we feel blessed to receive generous amounts of love; from words of support, hugs that wisk away tears, flowers and home-cooked meals to our door. As simple as it may sound, we're grateful for the power of friendship and community.

Thank you for sparing time to read through Nimeshi’s story. I hope you feel Nimeshi's strength and our support for her.

If this has connected with you, there’s likely it will connect with someone you know, so please pass on and share her story!

If you wish to reach out personally, please leave us a note! And if you’re going through something similar and don’t know who to talk to, Nimeshi would love to chat when she has the energy to!

From the Bandara's to you - Thank you. (Photo - December 2022)

(Left to right: Sid, Tam, Nim, and Has)