Jo’s Cancer Journey

Hi, my name is Marco. I am Joanne’s life partner for over twelve years. I love her so much and want to help her through this Journey the best I can.

Jo as she is more commonly known by her friends and family. Is 51 years old and has recently been diagnosed with Cervical Cancer stage 3C1 with pelvic lymph nodes involvement.

This has been very distressing news for us both and for those who know and love her.

Jo works as a PCA ( Personal Care Assistant) at a local aged care centre. Caring for people living with Dementia for the last ten years. Jo loves her work and is very caring, loving and patient, always putting others before herself. This time Jo needs our help to get her through this difficult time in her life.

The reason I wanting to raise funds. Is to help with the cost of accomodation and travel, while Jo is going through her cancer treatment. Jo is strong and trying to keep positive, but the financial cost is very stressful for us both and gets her down. I want to help relieve this stress from her, wanting her to put all her energy into fighting this disease.

We live in Regional Gippsland and travel is a 3 hour drive to hospital for her cancer treatment.

We have had already had many appointments in Melbourne, with consultations, tests and examinations with her cancer team. This is already eating away at our finances and proving to be costly each time. Overnight stay at hotels have been necessary due to the tiring stress of the long day and travel involved.

Once all consultations and test are completed.

Treatment will begin at Monash Health Cancer centre in Moorabbin.

The plan is

Due to the distance we will have to stay in Melbourne 5 days each week and travel home on weekends. Then return the following week continuously for 5 weeks. Then once a week for 3 weeks after that. Then travel for any follow up appointments required.

The actual cost is unknown at this stage. Accomodation itself will be around $1000 a week. Then there is the costs of petrol for travel. The cost of the care for our daughter at home as well as added cost for any medical needs required and food.

Not only will we be away from home while Jo is going through treatment. We have a daughter who is in her last year of school. Who is still needing transport to and from school and also to work. We are thankful for family, who will be helping out with this. While Jo and I are away, our daughter be looking after the home and 3 energetic dogs. While studying for her final exams and also worrying about her mum. A lot of added stress for her and for us both at this time in her life.

I truely love Jo and last thing I want her to do, is stress about the financial cost of her treatment.

We understand that everyone is doing it tough , but any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for any support.

Marco Brunel