Hi friendly faces - thank you for taking a moment out of your day to visit this page. 

This fundraiser is being organised for Jesse, Alex (nee Reid) and Weston Collins. Over the past 5 years, Alex and Jesse have built a beautiful life together - they’ve bought their first home in Stirling North (Port Augusta), have two spoilt pups, married and most recently welcomed beautiful baby boy Weston into the world who is now almost 8 months old.

In the past week, their lives have been turned upside down, with Jesse being diagnosed with a horrifically fast-growing cancerous tumour in his mouth.

It was only in December 2023 when Jesse noticed that he had a lump on the roof of his mouth. Quickly it developed into something that was impeding his speech and his ability to eat. Initially doctors were confident the mass would be dealt with quickly and Jesse was back at work in January after a small surgery. Post surgery, in late January 2024, recovery was not going as expected and the mass continued to grow, Jesse and Alex then received the news no one wants to hear, it was cancer. A treatment plan was discussed and the family went home to prepare themselves for a lengthy stay in Adelaide post surgery. In the week that followed Jesse was soon unable to eat anything and the tumour growth continued at a rapid rate. Upon returning to Adelaide mid-February, Alex phoned the specialist with concerns about how things were going and was advised to present to the emergency room at the RAH.

Jesse has lost a significant amount of weight and was admitted and had his first feeding tube placed whist they awaited further testing and surgery. Over the coming days the tumour was discovered to be an aggressive sarcoma. Surgery was going to be lengthy 18hr surgery with 10+ surgeons participating, followed by radiotherapy and possible chemotherapy. Jesse was given a tracheostomy tube to prepare for surgery and help alleviate any breathing difficulties. An indefinite stay at the Cancer Council lodge was organised. However, in the last week of February, things continued to take another unexpected turn. Due to the nature of the cancer and how aggressive it continues to grow, the team of surgeons and doctors soon realised that surgery and any form of cancer therapy would not be an option for Jesse anymore because of the proximity and danger to his brain.

Jesse has now been moved to the palliative care team for management, with hope that he can be transferred back to Port Augusta hospital, closer to home and support. This is such an incredibly difficult time for Jesse and Alex and their families, it is a lot to process and come to terms with in such a short amount of time. Jesse is still fighting a tough battle, and Alex and Weston are by his side everyday whilst being away from home. They have also had to have extremely tough conversations and make plans that no young couple should ever have to make. Alex and Jesse have a lot of support around them, but financially things are going to add up very quickly. Alex was due to return to work this week after being on maternity leave, however given the circumstances, she is unsure if and when that will happen. There have been many people already reaching out trying to offer help and support, so if you wanted to contribute a donation, it would be deeply appreciated and will help to alleviate at least one avenue of stress for the family. You are also most welcome to leave a message of support for Jesse and Alex to help remind them of all the love and strength they have around them.

Jesse will be leaving behind his wife Alex, two children Tiarna and Weston, his family and many friends from the supportive local communities of Quorn, Stirling North and Port Augusta. 

Updated as of Sunday 3rd March.