For Helen's future

My dear friend Helen is currently battling inflammatory breast cancer. It is an extremely aggressive form of breast cancer and unfortunately out of those who are diagnosed only about 25% survive.

For two and half years, Helen has been battling this insidious disease. Helen has had four rounds of chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy. Despite her ongoing use of these forms of treatment, the cancer continues to reoccurr.

Helen has exhausted nearly all types of conventional therapies and treatments and has been told by her specialists, her oncologist, that there is no cure.

Helen's struggle with breast cancer comes after a number of extremely traumatic events in her life. In 2009, Helen and her only daughter, lost their home and all belongings in the Black Saturday bush-fires in Kinglake. Helen is still grappling with this frightful event and has been diagnosed with PTSD as result of these experiences. Helen is also a single parent.

With monies raised from this campaign, Helen will be able to access some treatments that are not currently covered by Medicare in the hope that she might find a short reprieve. Helen has been told that access to very expensive immunotherapy might prolong her life.

In addition, these funds will assist Helen in her day to day expenses allowing her to live a more comfortable life. Unable to work she has been unable to attend to a number of her medical and personal needs as well as those of her daughters.

I know some of you know Helen. Some of you from the Bell community might remember Helen when her daughter attended the school. Some of you might also know Helen from Girl Guides.

I would be very thankful for any assistance for my friend Helen. She has faced many hurdles and it would be wonderful for her to not have to continue to struggle financially during this time.

Thank you for your help and if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.