GoFundMe launched for The Petal Factory owner Hayley Donlon after cancer diagnosis

The Bendigo community is rallying around a young florist who has been diagnosed with cancer. See how you can help.

The Bendigo community is rallying around one of its young small business owners who has been diagnosed with cancer.

The Petal Factory owner Hayley Donlon had felt a lump in her throat for a number of months but had attributed it to stress.

She’d had “horrendous” night sweats, itching, fatigue and brain fog so after getting through the busiest day of the year for florists — Mother’s Day — the 30-year-old finally took herself to the doctor.

It was there she discovered she had an “unknown mass” in her neck.

Over the next few weeks Ms Donlon underwent multiple blood tests, scans and surgeries, to be given a “shock” diagnosis of a Primary Mediastinal B – cell Lymphoma (PMBCL) — a form of blood cancer.

The Petal Factory Bendigo owner Hayley Donlon has been diagnosed with cancer. Her sister Jessica has launched a GoFundMe to help out. Picture: GoFundMe

Known around Bendigo for her “Random Act of Kindness” floral gifts given to organisations in the local community, her big sister Jessica has launched a GoFundMe page to ask that same community to now give back.

“As a small-business owner, Hayley would average around 60+ hours a week in her business, either at her shop or at home doing administrative tasks,” Jessica posted.

“She would work around the clock and increase her hours even more for occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas.

“She would attend to customers’ wants and needs at all hours of the day to ensure her customers were always happy and listened to.”

While Hayley has some casual and part-time staff at The Petal Factory, Jessica says she now has to rely on them “heavily”.

“Due to Hayley’s condition and the intense chemotherapy she required, Hayley will be stepping back from her business to ensure she can get better and focus on her health and healing journey,” Jessica posted.

“Hayley has increased her staff hours to ensure she can keep her doors open.

“However, increased hours mean increased wages and outgoings; therefore, my request from the local community is to support Hayley’s business to ensure she does not have to worry about her staff wages or stress over financial matters during her chemotherapy.

“Someone’s birthday? Think of The Petal Factory. Treating yourself? Think of The Petal Factory. Want to surprise someone? Please, think of The Petal Factory.”

While Hayley is “(kicking) cancer’s butt” for the next six months, Jessica has asked community members to help out with bills.

So far, more than $3000 has been raised.

To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.