A tragic loss of her son’s father, and now battling breast cancer while trying to work full-time… She is facing the fight of her life. Please help us take some of this burden away from her so she can focus on recovery and being there for her sons who desperately need her.

In December 2025, our friend Vanessa found a lump in her left breast. By early January, she received the devastating news that she has Stage 3 breast cancer that has spread to her lymph nodes.

While her eldest son has moved out, her 11-year-old son remains at home and relies entirely on her for his daily care. Navigating the world with autism and ADHD, his stability and well-being depend completely on the presence of his mum. Her sons father passed away in unexpectedly in 2021.

Vanessa isn’t just fighting for her own health, she is fighting to ensure her youngest son has the one person he needs most.

Vanessa has completed Phase 1 of chemotherapy, which involved the "red devil" infusions. She is currently in Phase 2, undergoing 12 weeks of weekly treatments. In July, she faces major surgery with 4-6 weeks recovery time off work, followed by 3 to 5 weeks of radiation.

Unfortunately Vanessa has no income protection, she has continued to work full-time throughout her chemotherapy infusions just to keep the household running for herself and her son. While her workplace is very supportive, the financial reality of cancer is overwhelming.

Vanessa has private health insurance, but it does not cover everything. Many essential services are considered outpatient or involve significant "gap" fees. Vanessa is facing several financial challenges:

Substantial Radiation Gaps: Even with private health cover and Medicare, the out-of-pocket costs for radiation are significant as it is typically an outpatient treatment.

Specialist Surgical and Medical Gaps: While some costs are covered, Vanessa faces significant out-of-pocket expenses for her plastic surgeon, radiation oncologist, and other specialists involved in her complex care.

High-Cost Scans and Monitoring: PET scans, MRIs, and specialized testing are required to track treatment progress. These often come with high costs that are not covered by private health insurance and only partially by Medicare.

Legal Protections for her Boys: As a solo parent, Vanessa needs to ensure her affairs are in order. A will and estate planning for her specific situation cost approximately $4,000, which is a heavy expense to face right now.

Essential Rehabilitation: Vanessa will require extensive post-operative physiotherapy to regain mobility. This, along with acupuncture for Chemo Induced peripheral neuropathy, is essential for her recovery but involves out of pocket private costs.

Medications and Wellness: Medications have already cost hundreds of dollars since January.

How You Can Help

Cancer has turned Vanessa’s life upside down. It is a full-time job on top of being a solo mother and working full-time.

Our goal is to raise enough funds so that when July comes, Vanessa can focus entirely on her surgery and recovery without the pressure of working. We want to ensure she can afford the 4 to 6 weeks off work required for healing, cover her medical gaps, and secure the future of the son who relies on her every day.

Any donation, no matter the size, helps buy Vanessa something priceless: time to heal and peace of mind for her sons.

If you aren't able to donate at this time, please consider sharing this page with your network. Every share brings Vanessa one step closer to the rest and recovery she so desperately needs.