There comes a point where pain is no longer just physical—it begins to take away pieces of a person’s independence, dignity, and hope. My friend, Annabella has been living at that point for far too long.

For years, she has fought chronic pain that most of us can’t even imagine enduring day after day. What should have been a manageable condition has now worsened into a serious medical issue—a cyst in her leg that requires urgent surgical treatment. She has severe pain from the waist down.  Her whole left leg is swollen. She needs disabled parking to help her. She has terrible back pain, plus worrying numbness.

 But the pain doesn’t stop there. It affects every step she takes, every movement she makes. Climbing stairs is very difficult - sometimes possible, and other days impossible.  Walking even short distances leaves her exhausted and hurting.

As if this wasn’t enough, she fought another battle quietly — and won. She's had many skin cancers, and still has pain from a large cancer on her forehead. Last year, she overcame skin cancer. She had two surgeries, and three skin cancers. 

She has reduced mobility because of the extent of the pain, and swelling. 

She has been seeing orthopaedic surgeons. They need to work out what the next step is, which could potentially be another surgery. She needs to see other specialists for numbness in her body which will most likely be neurologists,  and pain specialists. 

Because of her condition, she is unable to work. She survives on a disability pension, trying to stretch it across rising rent, food, and basic needs in Australia’s increasingly expensive living environment. But it’s simply not enough.

What makes this even harder is that she is facing all of this completely alone. No support to lean on. No financial safety net. No one to help her through the daily struggles most of us never think twice about.

And yet—despite everything—she hasn’t given up. She's a fighter. But right now, she needs some support from all of us. 

This fundraiser is about more than just covering medical expenses. It’s about giving her a real chance at reclaiming her life. The funds will go toward essential medical consultations, surgery for the cyst, recovery support, and basic necessities like an orthopaedic mattress that can finally give her some relief and rest.

With the right treatment and support, she has a genuine chance to heal, regain mobility, and eventually return to work—something she deeply wants, not just for financial stability, but to feel independent again.

Right now, she just needs a helping hand to get there.

If you can contribute, even a small amount, you are not just donating—you are helping someone stand, walk, and live again. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing this page could help reach someone who can.

Let’s come together to give her the chance she deserves—not just to survive, but to live with dignity and hope again.