Tessa's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

At just 21 years old, she made the bold decision to put herself through a Bachelor of Nursing degree - all while raising four young children on her own. Her dream was to become a registered nurse and work in operating theatres, and through sheer grit and determination, she made that dream a reality.

Over the past few years, Tessa has built an incredible career, working alongside some of Queensland's most skilled surgeons. Her experience spans neurosurgery, orthopaedics, plastics, and hand surgery, and general medical including time spent assisting surgeons at the Queensland Children's Hospital, Logan Hospital theatres, and now at Mater Hospital.

Her passion for nursing, her calm presence in theatre, and her dedication to her patients have earned her deep respect from colleagues and patients alike.

That's what makes her current situation so devastating - after years of standing beside the table helping others, Tessa now finds herself the one on it, facing her own battle with a brain tumour.

But her greatest role — and the one she cherishes most — is being a mum. Tessa is the loudest voice at every school prize-giving ceremony, bursting with pride for her children and making sure they feel celebrated for every single win, big or small. She’s at every sports training, every school event, every P&C meeting — showing up, cheering loud, and holding space for her kids to thrive. She lives and breathes motherhood, and everything she does is grounded in love and purpose.

Now, Tess faces a difficult and uncertain road ahead starting as early as next week—surgery, treatments, long recovery days— forcing her to step away from the work she loves. That means no income, mounting medical bills, and four little ones who need their mum more than ever.

This diagnosis, as devastating as it is, has brought with it a kind of brutal clarity:

She’s not giving up—she’s leaning in. To every hug. Every shared story. Every quiet moment of connection.

Tess has realized that while she didn’t choose this path, she can still choose how she walks it—with courage, with love, and with an open heart. And with your help, she can have the space she needs to do exactly that.

We’re reaching out to our community, near and far, to help ease the weight on her shoulders. Your support will go directly toward covering medical expenses, household bills, and giving Tess the chance to focus on what matters most: healing, resting, and being there for her kids.

Tess has spent her life taking care of others. She’s never been one to ask for help—but right now, she needs it more than ever.

No donation is too small. Every dollar, every share, every message of support will wrap Tess and her children in the care they so deeply deserve.

Let’s come together and show her she’s not alone. Let’s carry her the way she’s carried so many.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing in Tess’s corner.