Help me give back to my parents and medical bills

** if you know my parents please try and keep this a secret - I’m hoping to surprise them **

Hi everyone, my name is Emmalee, and I am 23 years old.

I didn’t want to have to make a go fund me, as I know there are so many other people who are in need of much more help than me, and I don’t want to take that away from them. However, I have decided to make this go fund me to give back to my parents to thank them for everything they have sacrificed for my health.

November last year I had an emergency appendectomy due to ongoing pain. In February this year I found out that I did not have appendicitis, but instead had a 12mm Carcinoid (Neuroendocrine) Tumour on the top of my appendix. This tumour would have been growing for about 5 years or so, and may have been the cause of many bowel symptoms I had been having for years prior.

After this, the journey began. I have had so many PET scans, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, angiograms, and X-ray scans that I have lost count. These scans are not only harmful in the long run, but they are expensive. For example, my DOTATATE PET scan (the scan that detects Neuroendocrine tumours) is $700, and only offered in a few imaging places in Brisbane once a month.

On top of this, I see multiple specialists regularly including a colorectal surgeon, endocrinologist, medical oncologist, gynaecologist and a cardiologist, just to name a few. These specialists often charge $100-600 per appointment.

I’ve also had three surgeries since November last year, including a major hemi-collectomy in July to remove the portion of my bowel that was connected to my appendix. Since this surgery I have had to undergo a second surgery in August to remove adhesions. Each one of these surgeries costs upwards of $1000. I’ve had 6 major surgeries all together, 5 of them since 2020, and multiple small procedures in the past year as well.

Also on top of this, the multiple allied health appointments, my other medical issues, pathology tests and multiple medications.

Since July I have been in hospital four seperate times, for a week each time. Im currently in hospital again for a post op collection and infection that required IV antibiotics. My parents live over an hour away, and have to pay for parking, petrol, food, and accomodation each time they visit me, not to mention the fact that they have to take time off work as well.

I am so grateful that unlike some people I am able to have private health insurance and Medicare, as this helps immensely. However, both myself and my parents are still constantly run dry due to my medical issues. I wanted to give them a chance to do something other than stay in a cheap motel close to hospital, and maybe have them go away on a holiday without visiting hospital, that they deserve so much.

Because of my health I have been unable to work since February. Centrelink gives me $300 a week, and this covers most of my bills, leaving nothing for myself. On top of everything I also study full time which has been difficult but with support of my family, friends, and the University I have been able to get through this year.

I hate asking for help, and if you cannot donate anything then please do not. If you’d rather donate to a charity please consider Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia or Cancer Council. I am only sharing this to possibly give back to my parents for everything they have sacrificed for me, and to raise awareness of the financial burden that cancer and other chronic illnesses have on people.

Thank you ❤️