Community rallies to deliver terminally ill Kristy Lucadei’s last wish

TERMINALLY ill Kristy Lucadei wants to ensure her daughters Imogen and Tahlia are looked after once she’s gone. Now, Adelaide’s south are coming together to help secure her dying wish.

Jenny Barbary from Quartz Cafe and Kristy Lucadei with her daughters Imogen (left) and Tahlia.Picture: AAP/Emma Brasier

KRISTY Lucadei would love to see her daughters through their teenage years and attend high school.

But diagnosed with terminal cancer, the 45-year-old now wants to make sure Imogen and Tahlia’s futures are secure.

When Quartz Cafe owner Jenny Barbary heard her story five weeks ago, she spearheaded a fundraiser to help the Morphett Vale mother and her two girls, aged 12 and 10.

The Main South Rd cafe’s customers and the local community donated more than $1200 to help the young family.

About 160 people also attended a family day on Sunday at the Clarendon Bowling Club, raising $7000 in the process.

Ms Lucadei was overwhelmed with the support from the local community.

“I’m lost for words, ‘thank you’ just doesn’t go anywhere near enough,” she said.

“I love my girls – I adore my girls.”

The former officer manager was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and had a right-breast mastectomy.

She found out the cancer cells had spread to her right lung last year and has been receiving radiotherapy on her brain.

“I’m just doing chemotherapy until my body couldn’t take it any more, until I go upstairs forever,” Ms Lucadei said.

“(The girls) are helping me get through each day – it’s been quite emotional.

“They inspire me with their strength and their laughter.”

Ms Lucadei said she spoke openly with her children about her illness and wanted to make sure they have financial support.

“I’ve opened a bank account with my brother where the girls can decide what they want to do with the money after they’re 18 – whether they want to go to university or (use it as) a deposit for a house.”

Ms Barbary said she was inspired by Ms Lucadei’s positive attitude.

“A lot of cafe customers and people in the community have come together to help,” she said.

“Kristy is so positive … we wanted to have a memorable, happy day for her and the girls.”

To donate to the family, email Ms Barbary on [e-mail] and she will provide details.