THE community has rallied behind fundraising efforts to support local resident and cancer patient Karen Roche.
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Ms Roche was diagnosed in July with an unusual form of stage four melanoma after doctors discovered three brain tumours and one chest tumour during a hospital visit for an unknown illness.
Daughter Bianca described the events that followed.
“That night she was transferred to Melbourne to undergo further tests. July 29 we received the news that Karen had three tumours on her brain and one on her chest. Two days later and Karen had surgery to remove one of the tumours from her brain,” she said.
“She had three days of targeted radiation which had an 80 per cent chance to help reduce the tumour and cancer particles. After this three day treatment Karen was due to have a few weeks break before commencing up treatment on her chest.”
On August 28 Ms Roche went to Melbourne for a routine MRI to assess progress of the radiation treatment.
On her way home she received a phone call from her doctors advising her to turn around and head back to the hospital as her scans revealed she had fluid around her heart and lungs.
The next day she underwent surgery to drain the fluid.
Ms Roche underwent several more sessions of radiation focusing on the head and the chest.
Her team of oncologists decided that the next step for her would be to try immunotherapy. Ms Roche has currently had four rounds of immunotherapy and will be having her fifth and final round in coming weeks.
Bianca Roche described her mother as someone who has always looked after others.
“Karen has spent the majority of her life giving to others, having worked as a personal carer for over 10 years,” she said.
“She is known for the generous amounts of love and care that she gives to her residents, co-workers, friends and most importantly her family.”
To support Ms Roche in her battle, Bianca and her cousin, Amy Stewart, have started a My Cause donation page in order to spread the word and raise funds for Ms Roche.
They have also held sausage sizzles, raffles, and other events and are aiming to raise $20,000.
Ms Stewart will also shave her head on November 17 and donate her hair to Lovely Locks so that her hair can be made into wigs for people suffering like Ms Roche.
Ms Stewart and Ms Roche said local businesses were very supportive after being asked if they could leave donation tins out, with 10 businesses happy to assist. To donate visit the My Cause page.
Alternatively, call in and see Deb and Sharon at Deb’s Diner to make a donation or to purchase raffle tickets up until the closing time of Friday November 16.