A little bit of context

Truly inspiring. It is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of my mother.

I do not know why sometimes it takes a personal encounter with adversity to compel us to act, but that is my story. In September 2016 my mother was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. What followed was a lumpectomy and 6 months of intense chemotherapy. I cannot begin to describe the full weight of that journey on this brave, gracious woman who wore it so well. The raw reality she gave me the privilege of witnessing made me weep.

No one should have to endure the cancer journey. No one. And yet, my mother has. With each step, no matter the pain, fatigue, and discomfort- she dug her heels in a little deeper. And with a faith stronger than I have encountered before, she moved one foot in front of the other.

This is the woman who has given so much of herself to others. She has organized weddings for people for free, helped people move houses, and supported the elderly community and their families through her job as a chaplain. If anyone calls and needs a helping hand no matter the hour, she will be there. She is the glue in our family. Even while enduring chemotherapy, still took time to invest in her grandchildren every week.

A mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, wife, and friend, Keren has touched many lives and now we get the privilege to give back.

The next step to provide Keren with the best chance at a healthy, cancer-free life is a bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

But there’s a problem
Surgeries cost MONEY! As do the medications and doctor's appointments and post care, time off work, and simple things like buying comfortable clothes, and post-major surgery. After watching Keren juggle the physical pain of chemotherapy, fatigue, financial stress, work, and family, it is clear that some of this burden can be taken from her. Particularly the financial burden!

Here’s what we’re doing about it

Cancer changes your world and causes you to fight for your life. But let's not leave Keren in debt because of this fight.

We have a donation platform here for all those who wish to join us.

In England, Keren's family is holding a coffee and cake event with all proceeds donated to Keren. One will be held here in Australia too. There is an online Tupperware party scheduled to give a portion of the profits to her as well.

Her daughters have started an initiative called 'KnitforTits' on Facebook and Instagram where high quality, hand-made knitted items are auctioned, with all profits donated to Keren's surgery.

The support has not stopped there. Every week food has been delivered to her house to take some of the everyday stress off her family. She has also had some people band together to buy her an air conditioning unit to help ease the heat-induced swelling during summer. For all of this, her whole family is incredibly thankful!

You can join us
To give you a clear idea of just how much this will cost and where the money is going, here is a list of estimated out-of-pocket figures we have been given by the doctors:

Breast surgeon: $3,700
Reconstruction surgeon: $10,000
Anaesthesist: $8,000
Post-op care: $1,400
Pre-op specialist appointments and tests: $1000
From these amounts, the total is $24,150. We also want to consider the time off work that Keren will go without pay as she recovers. We are still waiting on final figures for some of the above categories and therefore these amounts will be confirmed as we find out.

At this point, the operation will go ahead in May and we would appreciate it if any donations are made as soon as you can. However, if the target is not reached by the end of May the campaign will continue as we know some people may want to contribute but cannot until a later time.

Also, for those who are not able to give monetarily, but would still like to support this campaign, please share the link to this page with all of those in your world.

If there are amounts given above what is needed we know some women in similar positions and will pass on the donations and keep you updated!
And here’s some amazing perks for your support that you can’t live without

Be a part of Keren's story!!!

If you join us and donate to Keren's surgery we will make sure you are part of this journey. Be inspired, thanked, and proud of what you have given and how you have supported her. Your donation goes far beyond a monetary value. You are changing a life and the lives of those around her!