Hello, my name is Cassandra. Some people know me as “Mr Bigglesworth’s mum,” but first and foremost I am the proud mother of two beautiful children, Josh and Maddy, and newly married to my partner of many years, John.

Over the years, alongside raising my family and working, I created the social media pages Mr Bigglesworth and Friends and Mr Bigglesworth Rabbit. What began as rescuing a tiny hairless rabbit grew into a community built on kindness, hope, and anti-bullying advocacy. Together, we have helped raise funds for animal rescues around the world. I have always tried to give where I could and support others when they needed it.

Now, I find myself in the position of needing help.

Recently, I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on my kidney — renal cell carcinoma. Even writing those words feels unreal. The diagnosis came unexpectedly and has turned my life upside down.

Last week, I went to the Emergency Department in severe pain. During a CT scan to investigate that pain, doctors incidentally discovered a mass in my kidney — something completely unrelated to why I had gone to hospital. Further imaging confirmed renal cell carcinoma. I also underwent additional scans to check if the cancer had spread to my lungs. Thankfully, it has not spread, although there appears to be a lung infection that now requires treatment and follow-up imaging.

On 11/02/2026, I met with a specialist in Melbourne. She explained that because the tumour sits right inside the middle of my left kidney, they can’t just remove part of it — the whole kidney has to come out. Hearing that was overwhelming, and I burst into tears.

The tumour doesn’t look typical, so they’re running more urgent tests and other doctors are reviewing my case to make sure nothing is missed. Right now, I’m waiting for the final plan and a surgery date.

The emotional weight of this has been immense. I am trying to stay strong for my children and my family, but there is still uncertainty ahead. Depending on what is found after the kidney is removed, I may require further treatment, including chemotherapy. We will not know until surgery is completed and we get the pathology results.

The financial impact has already begun.

I am a casual worker. I do not have paid sick leave or holiday pay. Every appointment means lost income. I have already taken time off due to medical appointments and ongoing health issues.

Each specialist appointment costs around $320. My upcoming ultrasound is $281, and CT scans vary in price. On top of that, there are blood tests, GP visits, medications, and travel expenses. These costs continue to grow.

I will need to travel to Melbourne for surgery as soon as it is scheduled. I will be in the hospital for approximately four days, followed by at least six weeks completely off work while I recover. I cannot have this done as a public patient due to the wait times, and I need the cancer removed as soon as possible.

I only hold the lowest level of private health insurance, which provides very limited cover for this procedure. As a result, the out-of-pocket costs will be substantial and immediate. And at the same time, my income will stop entirely during recovery.

Over the past year, my health has already made it difficult to work consistently. I’ve tried to keep everything together for my family, but it’s been hard.

Now, with this diagnosis, the pressure feels even heavier. I want to focus on healing, but I’m also carrying the worry of how we’ll manage financially.

Asking for help is not easy for me. I have always been someone who tries to manage on my own. But right now, the reality is I am struggling.

If you are in a position to donate, no matter how small the amount, it would help ease the financial pressure and allow me to concentrate on surgery and recovery without the constant fear of worrying about finances. If you cannot donate, sharing this page would also mean a great deal.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you are able to give.

Please read my latest updates, as my cancer has now progressed to my right lung. I now have a long battle ahead.