Magnetic Island resident Rebecca Baker given two weeks to two months to live

A devastating diagnosis has shattered the lives of a Magnetic Island couple, who only moved to the island six months ago.

Rebecca Baker and partner Damien Walker at the Townsville University Hospital. Picture: Evan Morgan

A devastating diagnosis has shattered the lives of a Magnetic Island couple, who only moved to the island six months ago.
43- year old Rebecca Baker was told that she has only two weeks to two months to live after doctors discovered an aggressive grade 4 brain tumour.
Her husband Damien Walker had been travelling to Magnetic Island and back everyday as he couldn’t afford to stay on the mainland in a hotel and was unable to stay overnight due to the hospitals visiting hours.
He said he was concerned when Rebecca became unwell just two weeks ago, but had no idea the reason would be so tragic.
“She started shaking, falling over and passing out and I took her to the doctors at the island,” he said.

Rebecca Baker and partner Damien Walker at the Townsville University Hospital. Picture: Evan Morgan

“They said to take her straight over to Townsville University Hospital. They did a CAT scan on her and told us it was terminal.”
Mr Walker said the Townsville University Hospital have done all they can, as the tumour is inoperable and at this stage radiotherapy is also not a viable option.

He said he has struggled both financially and emotionally to travel everyday to the hospital and back to Magnetic Island, waking up early to catch the first ferry over at 6am.

Mr Walker said on Tuesday evening they planned to take Ms Baker back to Magnetic Island to be at home and comfortable for her final days.

“We are taking her home, that is her wish,” he said. “The number one thing is to give her everything and make sure we can look after her and make her feel as comfortable as we can.”

Ms Baker is no longer able to walk or communicate as she used to.

Originally from Coomera on the Gold Coast, the couple relocated to Magnetic Island just six months ago.

“It is just so shocking,” Mr Walker said.

“She was my carer and now I am the one looking after her, it’s just devastating. It’s been a nightmare”.

Ms Baker has been staying in contact everyday with her family in Hervey Bay and Ipswich, using Facetime and phone calls to stay connected.

A GoFund Me has been created by the couples niece Tayla Mason, with donations to help the family cover transportation costs, medication and funeral arrangements.

Donate to the GoFund Me here.

Originally published as Magnetic Island resident Rebecca Baker given two weeks to two months to live