Help Jodi on her Toughest Journey

Anybody who knows Jodi will understand that asking for help is very difficult for her. It has always been the other way around, Jodi being there for everybody else. But now our beautiful friend needs help and we are asking for it on her behalf. In December she received a diagnosis of Stage 3 lung cancer. Lung cancer is usually fast acting, so right now, time is of the essence. Jodi has already had to give up her job at the Royal Women’s hospital that she loves, as the cancer is draining most of her energy. This means her income is greatly reduced, while her expenses are higher. Over the next few months she will undergo chemotherapy and probably radiotherapy. What Jodi needs, that we can give her, are extra funds to remove financial pressure. This will alleviate some of her anxiety, so she can focus on healing and relaxing, and getting strength from her good days. It will also take some of the burden off Jodi’s beautiful partner Min, who has a heart as big as a whale, but she also has Multiple Sclerosis. This means Min has very  limited energy and already spends a lot of time in hospital receiving treatment for her own illness. So although Min stills offers a lot of support, she just isn’t physically able to care for Jodi as much as she would like to.


Some extra funds will not only take the pressure off the out of pocket expenses for treatment but will also allow Jodi to pay for natural therapies to alleviate some of the side effects of the treatment. Healthy, green food, vitamins and massage make a huge difference to wellbeing and health, helping to counteract some of the adverse effects of chemo and radiotherapy. Without extra support, Jodi just can’t afford any of this.


Over the years Jodi has given so much of herself to her community. Anyone lucky enough to see any of  her performances, will attest to her bravery and commitment for celebrating everything queer and unique. Through being very publicly gay, a proud bentqueerlesbian, at a time so much less accepting than today, she has helped pave the way, making it easier and better for younger people. Jodi is a wonderful maverick, an inspiration for anyone who is, and dares to be different and be empowered. People like Jodi who put themselves at the forefront of counterculture, help to create a more interesting, accepting society. They also provide a platform for positive social change in a broader sense.  It is in no small part because of people like Jodi that laws have changed to protect and celebrate diversity in gender, relationships and sexuality. This is something we certainly appreciate and know so many others feel the same.


Please help Jodi stay empowered. She just wants to feel as comfortable as she can, while she undergoes her treatment. We all hope that Jodi can beat this and are staying positive. But if time is limited, the last thing anybody wants is to spend it feeling anxious. Any assistance no matter how small will make a very big difference to Jodi right now.