Woodend PS Mum’s raise $20k in a fortnight for cancer patient Kerry Briggs

WHEN one of their own hit one of life’s speed bumps, the school mums of Woodend Primary School mobilised, raising more than $20,000 in just two weeks on the crowd funding website mycause.

Kerry Briggs, 35, of Sheidow Park, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer three years ago and has endured chemotherapy, radiotherapy, intravenous therapy, hormonal therapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

On November 26 the family received the devastating news the cancer had spread — it is now in her pelvis, spine, ribs and liver.

Chemotherapy to try to get her liver back working normally may give her a 50 per cent chance of living four years or more but her condition is terminal.

Within three days of the diagnosis one of her “school mum” friends, Jo Perry, had started a campaign on the mycause website and within a fortnight donations from more than 180 people saw the total top $20,000.

Kerry’s husband David is staggered by the community support, which he said will help the couple cram a load of family memories in a restricted time for their children Lachlan, 7, and Caitlin, 3.

“We have been married nine years and have had a wonderful marriage and this is just such an awful time for the whole family, but we have been dumbfounded by the wonderful support being rounded up by the school mums,” Mr Briggs said.

Mrs Briggs remains optimistic but is working on projects including quilts for her children as a physical memory, video recordings, journals, memory books and plans for family holidays full of love and laughter.

“I just say to people, live in the moment, treasure every minute with your family, and let go of things that don’t matter,” she said.

A family movie night on February 7, a walkathon and a cupcake drive have also been planned by the school mums to assist the Briggs family.

Donate at mycause, read the story or visit www.briggsfamily.info for more info.