Tasmanian mum Donna D’Alton fighting brain cancer

A beloved Tasmanian mother of four has been dealt a “devastating” health blow, but her devoted husband is determined to ensure his “childhood sweetheart” makes it through.

A beloved Tasmanian mother of four has been dealt a “devastating” health blow, but her devoted husband is determined to ensure his “childhood sweetheart” makes it through.

Donna D’Alton’s world was turned on its head when she had a seizure at her Legana home on September 3.

Husband Michael initially thought she’d suffered a stroke and she was rushed to the Launceston General Hospital.

Donna underwent an MRI scan which revealed some masses within her brain before the 49-year-old was transferred to Hobart’s Calvary Hospital and placed in the care of a neurosurgeon

Within 48 hours she underwent a biopsy and Mr D’Alton said things took a turn for the worse from there.

“After he did the surgery he said one of the tumours was too deep to look at and he didn’t want to touch them,” Mr D’Alton said.

“That’s when I started to think it wasn’t good. Donna was very emotional and upset.”

Mr D’Alton said waiting three days for the results of the biopsy was “the most stressful and hardest thing”.

Donna and Michael D'Alton.

“I brought her home without the results and we were worried,” he said.

“The surgeon phoned us and said it’s Grade 4 Glioblastoma and it’s very aggressive.”

The D’Altons were told the cancer was inoperable, so the family began planning for a “rocky road of what’s to come”.

“She’ll have a solid month of radiation every weekday for 30 days, so for six weeks. Plus a mild chemo tablet.

“From there she’ll have a month’s break before a big six months of treatment.

“They’re hopeful it will shrink the size of the tumours.”

Donna and Michael were “childhood sweethearts” from New Norfolk who got together in January 1989 before tying the knot in 1995.

Donna D'Alton with her daughters Darcy and Georgie.

Now living in Legana, the couple have since had four daughters; Maddie, 20, Danika, 17, Georgie, 15, and Darcy, 10.

“She’s the most loving, kind and supportive person,” Mr D’Alton said.

“Three years ago I had a minor breakdown and was off work for a short time. Through that period she was my rock.

“Nothing has changed, she has always been my rock, and she says the same to me.

“We’ve done a lot together in life. We have four beautiful children.

“I’ve told her we’ve been through a lot and we’ll get through this.”

Mr D’Alton said he was incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support from family, friends, work colleagues and the wider community.

“It has been amazing from people from all aspects of our lives. We can’t believe it.

“Learning to accept offers of kindness is something I struggled with, but it has meant so much.

Donna and Michael D'Alton.

“The surgeon was brilliant, staff at the Calvary were fantastic. The care she has received has been out of this world.”

Donna is no longer able to work and Mr Dalton has become her primary carer.

Close friend Karen Britten has launched a GoFundMe page to help the D’Altons pay Donna’s mounting medical bills.

“Donna has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone,” Ms Britten said.

“She is so selfless and cares so much about others. This beautiful soul always puts other people first.

“I’m asking everyone to please show your support to this beautiful family, who have been dealt the cruellest, most devastating blow.”