Helena has been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer

Our dear friend, sister, mother and wife Helena has been diagnosed with invasive ductal lobular breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer, which besides the initial lump had already spread into 37 of the 40 removed lymph nodes.

Helena and her family’s rough times started when the 2022 NSW flood waters went through their town and house, taking not only their cars, furniture, clothes, and items of personal value but also their safe place to live. It left them shaken and traumatised, and when the government failed them, like so many others, they had to find it in themselves to mobilise their physical and financial resources to re-establish a base from where to begin anew. After a lengthy period of living in emergency accommodation, while re-building their destroyed home, they just started to get back on their feet when Helena’s cancer diagnosis sent new shock waves through their hearts and minds.

Helena has spent her life caring for others. Initially trained as a teacher for children with special needs in Germany, she found her high-level qualifications not recognised after she migrated to Australia. Instead, she worked in disability and age care while raising her beloved daughter, Maya. She trained as a remedial massage therapist, spreading warmth, healing, and care. All her clients benefited from her thorough, skilled expertise while valuing her friendly and caring nature.

Due to the flood event, which also destroyed her massage clinic rooms, she again worked wholeheartedly as a disability carer for a high-needs client in day and night shifts to assist the client, and to support rebuilding the family home and her family's livelihood. She spread team spirit and kindness among her work colleagues and towards the client through compassion, professional conduct, understanding and joy. She is seen as an angel among those who are lucky enough to call her a friend.

Helena has a strong moral compass which guides her in everyday life and leads her to stand up against injustice, unfairness, discrimination and greed.

And now, for once, she needs a helping hand. Cancer treatment will begin early July 2024 with twice monthly chemotherapy. In the year ahead she's facing multiple trips to the hospital for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, scans, and further surgery. She won't be able to work during that time. The side effects of chemotherapy are well-known: nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and an overall weakening of the body. Her friends and family will form a tight circle of support around her and look after her.

During this extended time of income loss, please support Helena. The money will be spent on medical costs, petrol, and general living costs.