wendy newth

About 11 years ago my Mother, Wendy Newth, was diagnosed with Melanoma and as it invaded her lymph nodes we prepared ourselves for the worst. Well the worst did not happen and after having surgery to remove multiple glandes and Radiation Therapy, she was fortunate enough to beat the cancer. Over the past several years, those of you who know her have seen the decline in her mobility, vibrancy and self-esteem. This has been largely due to the Lymphedema that developed in her left leg. The swelling and hardening of the fat cells meant that Mum could no longer participate in the outdoor activities that she had always enjoyed. The severity of the Lymphedema also meant frequent stays in hospital when the skin on her leg would split and she would need intravenous antibiotics for Cellulitis. Mum took all of this with an admirable attitude voicing her gratitude that she was alive. Over the years she has helped so many people, giving them advice, lending/giving them things and offering employment opportunities. She has always been generous and it is her generosity to others that I am now hoping will come back to her.

Last Tuesday Mum had surgery to reduce the size and weight of her leg and in turn give her a whole new lease on life. The surgery was successful and again Mum is counting her blessings for the multitude of things she will now be able to do. The problem is that because they call the surgery Liposuction instead of Lymphosuction (Mum’s word for it) her insurance company have informed her that they will not cover any of the costs. The surgery is costing almost $50,000. I had to tell her this news an hour before she went into theatre. We will find a way to pay for this but I thought of all the good that my Mother has done throughout her life and thought that it was worth a shot to ask for help. If all of the people who have been at the receiving end of Mum’s generosity, all those who love her, all those who love me were to give $1, $5 or $10 then we could begin to make a dent in this debt. I am fortunate that she has no idea how to access this as I know that she is a very proud woman and would never ask for this help herself. Thanks for taking the time to read my rant xx

I have just found out that the surgery has ended up costing less than we expected. We are now only needing to raise $25,000!!!! Such great news x