Nicole's challenging journey began just over 12 months ago, when she lost hearing in her left ear. After an MRI earlier this year, and after many consults with local Neurosurgeons, it was discovered that Nicole had a 3.1cm benign tumour that is pushing on her brain and resting within millimetres of her spinal cord.

As a result of the dangerous position and steady growth of this tumour, local Queensland surgeons have recently advised Nicole to get her affairs in order as immediate surgery is required.

Due to the delicate nature of this surgery, there are many variables to consider, with one being life itself.

Nicole has been informed that the best case scenario as a result of this life-threatening surgery, is that she will be paralysed down one side of her face.

She would also need weights inserted into her eye lids and she would lose the use of her left arm.

To add to the assault of this devastating news, local Neurosurgeons have informed that they have not performed this type of surgery before, but rather, have only observed this procedure through training at Cambridge. 

With 2 beautiful children and a life changing career ahead of her, paralysis and 2 years of recovery and rehabilitation cannot be the only option for Nicole. 

With love for her children and the will and determination to be here and care for them, Nicole has not given up on her options.

Through research and avid door knocking, Nicole has been given a new sign of hope through famed Sydney Neurosurgeon, Dr Charlie Teo.

Dr Teo has successfully performed this type of surgery many times before, through the use of modern microscopic equipment that is not available to local Neurosurgeons.--

If Dr Teo were to perform this life saving surgery for Nicole, her recovery time would only be 2-3 days in hospital, as opposed to 3-5 weeks through local surgery.

With probable full recovery within a month where she could return to being a mum and full time College student. 

Dr Theo has only had 2 people needing rehab in the last 20 years and it would be 5% risk of facial nerve damaged.

This has been a challenging journey for Nicole, as she faces one of the toughest hurdles that she has ever had to endure. Nicole is a dear friend to many, a beautiful, loving mother of 2 gorgeous children, and daughter to a loving and supportive mother.

She is an extremely private person, and has had to face many personal challenges on this journey.

However as parents, we do all that we can to survive and watch our children grow and thrive into young adults.

Nicole wants nothing more than to be here for her kids, so that she can watch over them and care for them throughout their younger years and into adulthood. 

Thank you for taking the time to read Nicole's story...every little bit helped.

Your donations, however large or small, was very much appreciated by Nicole and her family and friends. 

An incredibly big thank you goes out today to all involved in raising the now achieved goal of $90,000. In a bit over 6 weeks, there have been 585 donations with a total of $92,615.00 raised. Amazing! The extra $$ will assist Nic in paying for flights down to Sydney and accommodate her Mum and kids close by the hospital for the first few days following the surgery. Unfortunately, Nic is still suffering a very bad chest infection which will need to be clear prior to commencement of surgery.

There have been friends, relatives and people who don't even know Nic, who have given in so many different ways...whether it be generously donating, giving up their time, sharing her story, organising events... the list goes on. 

She has been so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many caring souls.

We will be sure to keep everyone posted on the next challenge that lies ahead and the very positive outcome that everyone has worked so hard for. 

With our heartfelt and sincere thanks to everyone.

Rose & Nic