Hi, my name is Fiorella, and in June 2024 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After being told by my surgeon and entire medical team that I was cancer-free, I prepared myself to start my treatment. Unfortunately, the day before I was meant to start, that same surgeon revealed to me that I still had cancer—because he had not remove all of it during the surgery, without explanation. From that moment, I had to fight fiercely to protect myself from further harm, even preventing a second mistaken surgery until I finally underwent a full left breast mastectomy on January.

For the past three years, I have volunteered with Reach Homeless Services here in Australia, dedicating my time and heart to helping those in need. Giving back to my community has been a source of strength and joy for me and now I find myself needing the support of that same community.

What should have been a journey of healing turned into a battle for survival, not only against cancer but also against repeated medical errors. The hospital removed their services after I discovered the negligence, and recently, a community nurse cut my surgical drain at home instead of properly fixing the bandage, putting me at high risk of infection. These experiences have left me with severe PTSD and the need to change my care completely. I now see my doctors privately to ensure my treatment is safe and thorough but this means paying for expenses out of pocket.

My diagnosed and all of the negligence I’ve endured came at a time when my husband and I were already caring for his mum, who was battling her own cancer journey. Since April last year, we have been living in a constant cycle of cancer, hospitals, surgeries, treatments, medicines, and overwhelming stress.

We are now living solely on my husband’s income. My recovery requires ongoing private medical appointments, trauma therapy, and careful follow-up treatment, which we must pay for ourselves to ensure my safety and well-being. The financial strain is crushing, and the emotional toll is beyond words.

Your generosity will help cover medical bills, therapy costs, and essential living expenses while I focus on healing from both the cancer and the trauma caused by these events. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward stability, safety, and hope.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with me in this journey.