Fiona is our newest recruit to the National Advocacy Service, which provides support and access to people living with brain cancer.
December 2018 started out like any other month of the year. My partner Geoff was run off his feet getting work done before the Christmas break for his electrical business. I was working in relocations (as I had for 35 years) assisting people move seamlessly within Australia and across the world. Both of us are hard workers, we put everything we had into every single day. Our blended family meant there were seven of us to contend with, with 5 kids ages ranging from 15 to 22.
And then one quiet afternoon, on New Year’s Eve, 2018 – Geoff couldn’t talk properly. Without us knowing at that point, it was that second, that single moment, that was to become the instant that our world turned on its head.
In the coming weeks, Geoff was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a deadly and aggressive form of brain cancer. We were given the gut-wrenching and heart-breaking news that he would likely survive less than 12-14 months. He was 43 years young. His tumour was determined as inoperable, with medical treatment the only life extending option available.
Neither of us could work, Geoff was unable to continue working as an electrician and due to the intense quantity of medical appointments and associated recovery periods – neither was I. That single instant, on New Year’s Eve turned Geoff into an individual with disabilities and me into a full-time carer.
The navigation surrounding assistance and information was ludicrously difficult. Approaching Centrelink for financial assistance was four months of begging and drowning in paperwork; trying to close his business, terminate our staff, my own work needing to shuffle someone else into my position to make do. We both struggled through the practical running of our home and lives in the initial months of diagnosis. It took me hours upon hours of researching to find what would help, what would assist him to be the best person he could be – for whatever time he was here.
In July 2020, I was approached by Peace of Mind Foundation to discuss my role in advocacy for Geoff and my work to gain him access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. Sadly, this is a highly recognised need amongst many families, due to the regular rejections received in response to their NDIS applications.
I started working in a voluntary role, coaching and guiding other families through the process. I have successfully supported numerous families in receiving substantial funding packages through the NDIS. My heart and soul are overflowing with happiness, knowing what these families will be able to achieve with this funding.
In recent months, discussions have commenced for me to start working part time in an extended advocacy role for brain cancer families. I am beyond excited to transition my career into this position.
Whilst Geoff miraculously continues to survive this deadly disease, I do hold fast in my opinion that a good percentage of his survival rate is due to the life we have been able to maintain, and the support that has enabled this to happen. Being able to recognise the needs, and what is appropriate to support not only him, but our family, has been my drive for the past 2 years. It brings me joy to be able to provide this same level of advocacy, guidance and empowerment to our brain cancer community, and families alike.
It is with utmost pleasure that I head into this new journey with Peace of Mind Foundation, made possible by Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
By Fiona Hassmann, Client Support Manager, National Advocacy Service.
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