Support for Gemma Murphy

Hi, my name is Ainslie and I am raising money for my incredible twin sister who has been battling a brain tumour for the past 6 years. I wish I could trade her places but since I can't I would like to raise money to ease the ongoing financial burden and provide support to her and her family.

The tumour is a Hemangioblastoma and is at the stem of her brain. It was first discovered in January 2017 and required emergency brain surgery. Typically this type of tumour is not meant to grow back once removed, but it has - 4 times. So far Gemma has endured 3 brain surgeries, one in 2017 and 2 in 2020. Not only has this meant many months of debilitating pain and suffering, but also lost income from being unable to work, missed family holidays and generally enjoying the things she otherwise would.

Toward the end of last year we learnt that the tumour has once again returned. This time a different approach was needed so as I write this she is at Royal North Shore in Sydney undergoing a procedure called Gamma Knife which is intensive radiation therapy. This treatment is costing $26,000 with roughly $19,000 being refunded from medicare, leaving $7,000 out of pocket.

All money raised will be going towards current and future treatments, however we are confident and hopeful that this is the last of the Hemangioblastoma and Gem can begin to live a life free of her unwelcome hitchhicker.

Your support is appreciated more than I can say, any amount is amazing.

Thank you x