Fundraiser for ill Willow reaches $25,000 in five days, still climbing

There’s no cure for what little Willow McShane has – and her health is declining. But that hasn’t stopped Tasmanians showering her with support.

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WILLOW McShane’s long term prognosis is not good but thanks to the remarkable generosity of a lot of Tasmanians, her life might be just a little brighter.

A GoFundMe account set up in her name last week raised $9,500 in its first 24 hours, and had reached its original $25,000 target within five days – the target has now been stretched to $50,000.

Willow McShane, 12, with her mum, Sally McShane, of Hobart. (pic supplied)

Sally McShane with her daughter Willow, 12. (supplied)

Willow, 12 from Hobart, was diagnosed with a number of disabilities when she was little and has always taken her health issues in her stride.

But recently she entered an unexpected phase of global brain atrophy – the neurons in her brain are progressively breaking down, affecting her ability to speak, eat and walk, and there is no cure.

“She won’t be getting better, it’s only going to get worse,” said Willow’s mum, Sally McShane.

“We don’t really have a timeline but it’s all about quality of life now and making memories.”

Ms McShane, a comedian and children’s entertainer, started the GoFundMe campaign to help fund a wheelchair-accessible car to make it easier to take Willow to visit her friends and go on trips.

Willow McShane, 12 of Hobart, who has global brain atrophy, which affects her ability to walk, eat and speak, and for which there is no cure. (supplied)

Now they hope it can also help purchase an electric wheelchair for when Willow starts high school next year.

“I’m so overwhelmed and thankful for everyone’s support, I’m in shock,” Ms McShane said.

“She never wants much or asks for anything, she’s just happy with what she’s got.

“She’s just the nicest human and she keeps getting nicer all the time, which is why this all seems so horribly unfair.”

To donate visit the GoFundMe.

Originally published as Fundraiser for ill Willow reaches $25,000 in five days, still climbing