Not long ago, Kate was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer. She’s the often unseen heart of our family, mum to our two children (aged 7 and 11).

Since the diagnosis, she has faced everything with a strength that astounds me. She has subjected herself to so many invasive tests and biopsies. At one point she was told not to speak or move as the doctor had a needle right in her neck, next to her jugular vein. It's been a lot.

She reads every report, asks every question, and she has been getting through each round of treatment with all the humour and determination that has always been her character and strength.

Kate is currently partway through chemotherapy, with major surgery still ahead of her and a long recovery beyond that. Her current medical team is excellent, and we’re grateful she’s now in good hand. But the cost of her care, on top of the income we’ve lost, has been a shock.

Because of her illness and treatment, Kate has had to stop work. I’m continuing in my job to keep us going, but with Kate unwell we’ve also had to bring in extra help.

Chemotherapy so far has cost over $6,000 out of pocket (drugs not available on Australia's PBS)

Scans, testing, and specialist appointments have cost us thousands out of pocket, travel to and from treatment and appointments: an ongoing cost, as Kate’s care is a significant distance from home (3 hour round-trips, several times a week).

And ahead of us, the big one — Kate’s surgery carries a quoted gap fee of at least $30,000 on top of what Medicare contributes, and many more costs ahead for things that can help her in recovery and retain some sense of dignity (wigs, prosthetics, etc).

We made the decision for Kate to be treated by the specialists we trust to get this right, and we stand by that choice, (we believe elements of the complicated cancer were being overlooked) but it means facing these expenses while Kate is focused on treatment, recovery, and being here for our kids.

Asking for help doesn’t come easily to either of us. But I’d do anything for my wife, and right now that means swallowing my pride and asking on her behalf. I can’t count the amount of times she has apologised to me for putting this on me. She is feeling very guilty and a burden to our family and it breaks my heart.

That is the reason for this go fund me. Every contribution, no matter how small goes directly toward Kate, not into our business; not for someone else to be paid from or for a video. She can’t feel guilty about spending these funds on her treatment, because that is what they are for, and she can put her energy into getting well instead of trying to save money on medicine and worrying about the bills that have always been her responsibility, or the pay runs and salaries of our employees that she feels her treatment is taking away from.

If you’re not able to give, I completely understand. Simply offering words of support, and caring about her journey would mean the world to us. As well as caring for yourself and getting yourself checked for symptoms regularly. Thank you for reading.

PLEASE NOTE: Any amount above what we'd need for Kate's needs and care through her treatment (after her treatment has concluded) will be donated to support cancer research.