Hi my name is Stefani and I’ve created this fundraiser in honour of our beautiful mum Rachele who is the absolute heart of our family and the light of our world.
In 2017, at the age of 60, mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching her go through months of treatment was one of the hardest things we’ve ever experienced but true to who she is, she faced it with courage, grace and strength. When she was declared cancer free and in remission, we felt like we had been given a second chance. We were so grateful for the years that followed.
In May 2025, our world shattered again. Mum was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. After being in hospital and having a bronchoscopy, mum fell ill and treatment had to be postponed.
She began radiation in August to try and shrink the cancer and once again she fought with everything she had. But in January 2026, things took a devastating turn. Her symptoms worsened and after further testing we were told the words no family is ever prepared to hear. The cancer has metastasised and spread to her brain, kidney and liver alongside her lung.
Our mum is now terminal. After many many years of health issues and suffering, mum has decided to seize all treatment and to try her best to live out the remainder of her life surrounded by family and friends.
We are living in a space of heartbreak, trying to process that our time with her is now so painfully limited.
As if this wasn’t enough, Mum has also battled fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disease and other health issues over the years. Despite the pain and exhaustion she has lived with, she has always put everyone else first.
Anyone who knows Mum knows the kind of soul she is. She is selfless in a way that is rare. She would give the clothes off her back to someone in need and many times, she has. She has opened her home to friends who had nowhere to go, giving them a safe place to land. She has carried so much for so many people, often quietly and without ever asking for anything in return.
She worked hard her entire life, even when her health made it incredibly difficult. Everything she did was for her family.
Our hearts are truly broken watching the strongest woman we know face this.
As a family, we are asking for help to give Mum the send off she deserves and to help us prepare for funeral expenses and any wishes she has whilst we do our best to make her as comfortable as can be.
Most importantly, it will help ease the financial burden on our family so we can focus on what truly matters, spending every precious moment we have left with her.
No donation is too big or too small. Every cent counts. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean more than you know.
Thank you for loving our Mum. Thank you for helping us honour her life, her generosity, and the incredible woman she is.
with all our love,
The Mavridis Family