Support Aylee Through Her 2nd Battle With Cancer

Hi, my name is Anita and I am fundraising for my dear friend Aylee. I met her when I was 4 years old and we have remained fierce friends since as we now celebrate our 32nd birthdays. Although I would love to spend all my time telling the story of our friendship there is unfortunately a more important story to tell and please forgive me as I won’t do it any justice.

When Aylee was 7 years old she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, and later also with Crohn’s, she has had more hospital admissions and impossibly challenging days than I can count. Chronic pain and illness is something that has impacted her quality of life since this time.

In 2019, after becoming septic, Aylee was airlifted to Sydney where she had surgery for an emergency ileostomy. During this admission to hospital she also received the devastating diagnosis of colon cancer. While everyone else was in COVID lockdown Aylee was undergoing cancer treatment, much of it in isolation away from her supports as she needed to move to Sydney from the Mid North Coast so that she could be closer to treatment. Since this time she has had countless surgeries and interventions while navigating severe peripheral neuropathy as a result of treatment.

In 2020, just three months after finishing chemotherapy, Aylee met the love of her life James, he has not left her side since. 2021 and 2022 brought good news, Aylee was cancer free and she and James were engaged. However here is where Aylee needs your support.

In June 2023 Aylee received some devastating news. When she was in hospital receiving yet another surgery for a stoma blockage it was confirmed her cancer had returned. Aylee has been diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer which has spread to her peritoneum. This is an incredibly aggressive cancer, and treatment for this is known to be one of the most challenging to go through.

Since her new cancer diagnosis her rent has been hiked up significantly and she will shortly no longer have access to her health care card adding further to her significant financial burden. Aylee will need to take a considerable amount of time off work for treatment and recovery. Her partner James may also need time of work to help Aylee access treatments and support her in her recovery.

Money will help fund:

- Rent

- Groceries

- Other cost of living items while Aylee cannot work

- Medication costs

- James’ to take time off work to care for Aylee and transport her to appointments

- Transport and accommodation costs for Aylee’s parents who live greater than 6 hours away to support her through treatment

- Anything that can make her life a little easier right now

Aylee needs our help, she is not one to ask for help or handouts, no matter how badly she needs it. Any small amount will help significantly, just donate what you can.

Aylee’s is set to walk down the aisle to marry James in September 2024, there is so much her loved ones want to see for her in the future, especially marrying the love of her life James Varley. So let’s get her through this!