‘Inspirational’ Mildura woman fights cancer

The Mildura community is rallying around an “inspirational” young disability carer as she faces the biggest battle of her life.

Jessie Cantwell has spent most of her life helping people with disabilities across Sunraysia but now the community is helping her.

After eight years working with the disabled, the young woman was recently appointed manager at Sunraysia Residential Services.

She’d just finished the build on her dream home.

But then everything changed. An accident at the gym left her in a wheelchair after she broke both of her ankles.

While at the hospital she got even worse news.

Jessie was the diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood born cancer that affects the immune system and can put tremendous strain on the body despite having a survival rate of 64 to 86 per cent.

Close friend Shaun Blythman organised a 140km charity walk earlier this year from Mildura to Renmark to raise some money and show Jessie she was not alone.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference and serve as a powerful reminder to Jessie that she is not alone in this fight,” he said.

This fundraiser has already raised more than $10,000 to help Jessie with the expenses of fighting cancer and alleviate some of the stresses of losing income.

“This fundraiser aims to alleviate the financial burden on Jessie and her family, allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on Jessie‘s recovery,” Mr Blythman said.

Mr Blythman described Jessie as a source of “unwavering kindness” and “an incredible source of inspiration”.

“Jessie has always been an incredible source of inspiration, joy, and unwavering kindness in our lives,” he said.

“She has touched the hearts of many through her contagious laughter, genuine warmth, and boundless love for everyone around her.”