This Christmas bring hope home for the Dunkleys

Photo: Kindly supplied by David. Imogen is pictured on the left and Alex is pictured on the right.

Hi There,

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

As we prepare to celebrate the festive season with our families and friends, I’m reaching out to you today with a call to action that goes beyond business and comes straight from my heart.

I am writing to you, not only as the Director of Expanding Horizons but as a parent, just like many of you.

Much like myself, David has two adult daughters, Alex and Imogen. Sadly, they have both been dealt a really unfair hand.

Alex

David faces an unimaginable challenge as he supports his eldest daughter, Alex. Twelve years ago, Alex was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Having already faced 5 craniotomies plus radiation treatment over the past years, 4 weeks ago, she was dealt a devastating blow, with the return of the brain tumour.

Understandably, this news has shattered the Dunkley family and everyone around them.

Alex has been a patient of Dr Charlie Teo since the beginning 12 years ago, and the Dunkley family’s hopes for Alex's recovery have been met with a single ray of hope - Dr. Teo offering a chance through surgery in Spain in January 2024.

Of course, this comes at a significant cost. From flights and accommodation to hospital and surgery fees, the family faces a bill in excess of $60,000 to afford Alex this life-saving surgery.

Sadly, David’s challenges don’t stop there.

Imogen

His younger daughter Imogen, affectionately known as Midge, has lived with Granular Cell Tumour (GCT) a rare ovarian cancer for the past 9 years.

This week, Imogen’s oncologist delivered more heartbreaking news to the Dunkley family — the oncologist advised that the burden of the disease is an increasing concern for her body’s tolerance. Significant weight loss, diabetes and active tumour growth means Imogen’s treatment options, medicinal and surgical, are running out.

She now relies on being accepted into trials for new drugs currently in development.

The family is clinging onto the hope that the specialist they see next week in Melbourne may have some fresh ideas. But this too comes at a cost. Imogen’s ongoing out of pocket expenses, including gaps for MRI’s and specialist appointments, totals more than $70,000 to date and her available funds are depleting rapidly.

Help us give the gift of another chance

As parents, we understand the distress and fear that comes with such a situation — it’s our worst nightmare.

David, and Alex and Imogen’s mother Debbie, are doing everything that they can to financially support their daughters in an effort to save their lives.

David is a valued part of the Expanding Horizons team and I am privileged to call him a friend.

No matter the challenge, David always steps up to support our business and our clients, going over and above every single time. I am grateful for his dedication to Expanding Horizons and the broader tourism industry.

Now, in his time of need, it's our turn to step up. To go over and above to help our colleague and friend as he faces the biggest challenges of his life.

To make sure his daughters can access their potentially life-saving treatments, David needs an extraordinary $80,000.

Expanding Horizons is kickstarting this fundraising appeal with a $40,000 donation.

This season of giving, I ask each of you to join us in rallying around Alex, Imogen, David and Debbie and their extended family by making a contribution to this appeal.

Your contribution, irrespective of the amount, will make a tangible difference by ensuring Alex and Imogen can both access the best possible treatment and directly alleviating the overwhelming financial burden for David and Debbie so they can focus on caring for their daughters.

Every gift brings us closer to helping David's daughters fight for their lives.

Make your contribution here on our Go Fund Me page we have started for the Dunkleys. It’s the most meaningful gift you can give this Christmas.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any contribution you can make. Please share this message with your networks.

Warm regards,

Bill Bostock

Director — Expanding Horizons