The Geelong community is rallying around a much loved mum and early childhood educator who has been given a devastating cancer diagnosis.
Melanie McInnes, of Herne Hill, celebrated her 35th birthday in hospital this week after she was recently diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer that spread to her liver.
She had no symptoms, and only started experiencing nausea days before she was diagnosed with cancer in late April.
Ms McInnes is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Husband Steve McInnes, who operates F. S.C Skateboarding, said his family was “sad, angry, confused and heartbroken”.
Ms McInnes gave birth to the couple’s second child Violet, now 10 months, late last year. They also have a seven-year-old daughter named Trixie.
“We just can’t believe this is happening to us,” Mr McInnes said on a fundraiser page.
“We were finally starting to get back on our feet after a very hard 12 months.
“Our eldest daughter Trixie is heartbroken. Her little seven-year-old heart is shattered.
“Our beautiful baby Violet who is only 10 months will not have memories of her mother.”
Mr McInnes vowed to “fight” and “do everything to help (his) family”.
Melanie McInnes, Steven, Violet (7) and Trixie (10 months)
A fundraiser page, created by family friends, has raised close to $100,000, while other friends have organised a silent auction on June 23 to support the family.
Auction organiser Bonnie King, who previously worked with Ms McInnes, described her friend as the “sweetest, coolest person”.
She said she decided to organise the fundraiser to ensure Ms McInnes was not worried about her family’s financial future.
“If you know the circumstances, it’s just the most awful thing to happen to anybody,” she said.
“To have such a short time of notice from finding out you have cancer, to knowing you don’t have much longer to live. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Ms King said: “Mel’s whole world is her family and it would be the most troubling thing knowing you won’t be there forever.”
Mr McInnes thanked the community for the outpouring of support.
“Thank you to everyone who has organised fundraisers, donated, shared the link, given meals on the meal train, sent my wife and children gifts, offered advice and sent through their own positive stories of battling cancer,” he said.
“The support we have received during this extremely rough time, both locally and internationally, is so overwhelming and we really appreciate it.”
Tickets to the silent auction, held from 6pm at St Mary’s Football Club, are available by searching for McInnes Family Fundraiser- Silent Auction Night via eventbrite.com.au.
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