Talithas farewell

Those that know us know that we aren't a family who would ask for hand outs unless we really need to and this is something we never wanted to do but unfortunately it's time to do it.

As our close friends and family know, our beautiful sister, mother, daughter, aunty, niece and friend Tess (Talitha) was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2022, and we never ever thought it would progress into what it has.

Tess underwent major brain surgery at St Vincent's in Melbourne (the closest major hospital which is 6 hours away from all her family) and the surgery was successful but unfortunately it was then discovered that the tumor was metastasis (had spread from somewhere else) after multiple test and investigations it was found that her official diagnosis was Stage 4 bowel cancer at the age of 42.

Just 2 months later Tess fell unwell and was again flown to St Vincent where unfortunately another tumor was discovered on her brain, she underwent surgery which was again successful in removing the tumor, after this surgery she also underwent extensive radiation every day for a week and then started chemotherapy straight after that.

She was undergoing chemo every fortnight for almost a whole year and all together completed 24 rounds. The chemo was successful in keeping the cancer at bay but did not shrink the tumors. In April 2024 Tess was sent to Peter Mac in Melbourne where she spent 5 weeks away from her family undergoing various test and treatments. They then did a major abdominal surgery to remove a large portion of her bowel resulting in her needing a colostomy bag. They also removed both ovaries as the cancer had spread to her ovaries by this point.

Tess was recovering well from this surgery and things were looking up her bloods were coming back clear, and her oncologist was hopeful she would be in remission.

Unfortunately that was not the case, on 6th September 2024 she fell very unwell & again was flown to Peter Mac. Family members were called the following week and asked to attend a meeting to discuss what was happening. It was then we were told the heartbreaking news that the cancer had come back very aggressive and in multiple places throughout her body. Surgery & chemo are no longer an option, and the aim now is to keep her comfortable and to let her enjoy the time she has left with the people she loves most.

Tess has been through so much since her diagnosis, missing out on time with her family due to being 6 hours away in hospital for extended periods, so we are currently spending every moment we can with her making memories.

Tess was born in Queensland, and would love nothing more than to return home to be laid to rest at the Doreen Thompson Memorial Cemetery in Purga QLD, a cemetary named after our grandmother where she will be with a lot of our relatives and ancestors that have passed.

We are seeking to raise funds to cover the costs of transportation as well as cover all funeral, burriel and other expenses that arise during this time. Tess is leaving behind two daughters and a 17 year old son and any additional funds will go towards supporting them during the difficult times that will follow saying goodbye.

We as a family are very thankful for any donations we receive in easing the financial stress during this difficult time.

We thankyou for your kind support.