2 cancer diagnoses - make life a bit easier

Hi, I’m Ashley and have been lucky enough to be friends with Natalie and Steve for 4 years. They are incredible people who have three lovely boys, Rene (7), Miro (5), and Gene (1).

This year has thrown them a few curve balls at them. First, in December 2022, Steve was diagnosed with melanoma. Luckily the surgery removed all the cancer, but left him with a trapped nerve in his neck causing extreme pain, and leaving him virtually immobile - he has a hard time lifting his his 1 year old son. A few weeks later, in January of 2023, Natalie was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. This has involved intensive rounds of chemotherapy, which she is 1/2 through and eventually will require surgery. She has been so positive throughout her diagnoses and treatment, it would be difficult to know she was going through a challenging time.

Both of them have been out of work because of their illness, and have had to take pay cuts and are on reduced benefits whilst they’re on sick leave. Raising three boys, while sick and on reduced pay I would imagine is a huge burden. I am hoping that we can raise some funds to help them cover the costs of raising three children or have a little pot to do something together as a family when they are all well.

The positivity and optimism these two exude while going through a life changing sickness is admirable. I hope if I am ever dealt with any of the challenges they have faced, I will be able to cope 1/2 as well as they seem to have. Anything you can give to support them will help.