Support Jacqui-Ann & Michael's Journey

Dear friends, family and supporters,

We are reaching out to all of you today with heavy hearts, but also with unwavering hope as we share some deeply personal news about one of our own.

The journey of Jacqui-Ann and Michael began in July 2022 where they swiftly discovered their meant-to-be connection. It was love at first sight, soul mates finding each other, a perfect match—the light in each other's lives. All was perfect in that moment until September 20222 when Michael underwent a biopsy for a lump in his neck and a routine check up to which the news was, lump is nothing but you have Oesophageal cancer.

In November 2022, Michael and Jacqui-Ann tackled this head on, they showed so much strength and positivity and Michael handled chemo like a champ.

He underwent rounds of chemo and radiation to try to shrink the cancer but to no avail.

Surgery became the next step. Throughout this whole process Jacqui-Ann was by Michael side, the strength between them is admirable and nothing could have prepared them for the journey that was to follow and would prove to be more challenging than they could have imagined.

Michael was operated on to remove the cancer on 27th of March 2023, surgery did not go to plan, complication after complication, scope after scope, stent after stent , it was ruthless, however Michael kept fighting and Jacqui-Ann walked every step right beside him and continued to work full time. Spending every other minute by Michael's side.

Michael continued to fight however his health was rapidly deteriorating.

After enduring months in hospital, facing numerous procedures and complications, 8 weeks nil by mouth, losing weight at a rapid rate, feeding tubes being blocked, scopes, scans, xrays, infections, stents doing more damage than good, the Medical teams advised Michael and Jacqui-Ann he had beaten the cancer but in the process of removing it ended up with holes in his oesophagus and trachea from the stents they installed and were in the process of planning his massive operation in 3 weeks with a less than 50% chance of survival and was told without the surgery he would continue to deteriorate.

On the 25th of February 2024, Michael and Jacqui-Ann were told by the hospital he would be allowed home for 3 days so he could say goodbye to his family and friends.

Our hearts broke for them both.

On 29th of February 2024, Jacqui-Ann proposed to Michael. He said yes and it gave him something to again fight for. That night the Dr's allowed Jacqui-Ann to take Michael home.

Jacqui-Ann has been caring for Michael around the clock since, administering all of his medications, flushing lines, running feeds every 3 hours on the hour and continuing to work, when at work she has alarms so she can call Michael or her family who have pitched in and have helped massively ensuring his meds are administered on time.

Jacqui-Ann has managed to help Michael finally gain weight! This is huge and something the nursing staff in both hospitals could not do. The love Jacqui-Ann has for Michael knows no limits. She adores him as he adores her and she is fighting as hard as she can and the best she can to keep him out of hospital while working and spending every other minute trying to make memories and make every moment special.

However, caring for him at home comes at a huge financial cost. The cost of medication, nasal feeds, pain killers, needles, tubes, lines, syringes, Dr appointments, specialist appointments is constant and relentless. The hospital has not provided any out of home hospital care, concession, equipment or medications. This is all out of their own pockets. Cost of living is hard enough without these additional expenses.

Anyone who knows Jacqui-Ann and Michael know they are the kindest, most generous human beings and asking for help is not something either of them would do, this is why we are asking you for your support.

Michael is presently at home under Jacqui-Ann's vigilant care, awaiting his surgery date, so this battle is not over yet.

Please consider contributing to the fundraiser we've set up to support Jacqui-Ann and Michael. Your generosity will not only provide much-needed financial assistance but also offer them strength and hope as they navigate this challenging journey together.

Jacqui-Ann is one in a million and is an integral part of our team here at Campbelltown & Camden Hospital and now, more than ever, she needs our support. Let's rally together as a community and show Jacqui-Ann and Michael that they're not alone in this fight.

Sincerely,

Much loved family and friends