Hi everyone,

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write.

If you know me, you’ll know how uncomfortable I am asking for help. I’ve always believed in standing on my own two feet — even at my wedding I couldn’t bring myself to ask for a wishing well, let alone presents. But right now, I’m in a position where I simply can’t do that anymore. I’m struggling to meet even my share of basic expenses, and the toll this is taking is heartbreaking.

This hasn’t just been one chapter — it’s been years of ongoing health challenges that have taken a significant toll on both me and my family.

Looking back, much of this journey traces back to complications following the birth of my second child in 2016. During that time, there were serious issues with my care which resulted in my bowel being injured. I developed peritonitis and septicaemia and very nearly lost my life.

At the time, I didn’t pursue anything further — I was simply grateful to be alive and focused on recovering and being there for my family.

Against all odds, we were later blessed with our youngest, our miracle baby Archie, which is something I will always be deeply grateful for.

Since then, my health has never truly recovered. I have experienced ongoing and complex gastrointestinal issues, with repeated hospitalisations, procedures, and complications affecting my bowel and digestive system. It has been relentless.

Over the past two years in particular, I have spent more time in hospital than I have at home. Every time I try to return to work, my body breaks down and I end up right back there again. Navigating an already stretched and complex medical system has only added to the challenge.

The excruciating physical pain has been one part of it — but what has been even harder is the devastating emotional toll.

Being away from my children during important moments in their lives, missing time I can never get back, has been incredibly painful and something I carry with me every day.

More than anything, I just want to be well enough to be present for them.

Financially, this has also taken a significant toll. While from the outside it may look like we are okay — we have worked hard and built a life — the reality is that assets aren’t easily accessible/sold, and the ongoing medical costs have been enormous. Even with private health insurance, we have already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, and those expenses continue.

I am currently unable to work, and I have been advised by my doctors not to return for at least the next two years, as pushing myself risks my health in a way that could take me away from my children.

I am in the process of a TPD claim, but that can take a long time to come through.

In the meantime, we are doing it really tough.

We are a family of five children, and with Easter here, it’s been incredibly confronting not knowing how I’m going to create even the smallest sense of magic for them after everything they’ve been through alongside me.

This has placed pressure on every part of our lives as a family, and we are doing our best to hold everything together through it.

At times, even basic things have become difficult — covering bills, paying for medication, or simply getting through the week. That loss of independence has been incredibly confronting.

This is why I’m swallowing my pride and asking for help.

If you are in a position to contribute — even a small amount — it would mean more to our family than I can ever express. It will help us manage day-to-day living costs, ongoing medical expenses, and give me the space to focus on getting well and being there for my kids.

If you’re not able to donate, sharing this would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for your kindness, and for any support you’re able to give. I will never forget it, and I truly hope that one day I can pay it forward.

With all my gratitude,

Penny ❤️