IMAGINE being a 17-year-old diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Cancer, beating it, growing up, having two beautiful children and then, at the age of 39 doctors find a fatal brain tumour.
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This is the life of former Moree woman, Natasha Battistuzzi, who earlier this year underwent surgery to remove a tumour in her brain only to be told the tumour would grow back in six months.
Ms Battistuzzi’s aunty and local businesswoman, Debbie Williams, decided to host a fundraising garage sale in conjunction with the Moree markets on Sunday for the family.
“Natasha’s treatment and travel costs have been big and will continue to cost going forward.
The main purpose for the fundraiser is to assist with ongoing expenses and to see that she can realise some of her life goals while her health permits,” Mrs Williams said.
Mrs Williams encouraged the whole community to check out the number of items for sale.
“The sale will start at 8am on the corner of Alice and Warialda Street at the Deluxe Café site. There will be a number of items to strike interest of those young and old; from small furniture, books, clothing, décor items, tools and bric-a-brac,” she said.
Although there may be locals who do not know Ms Battistuzzi, many may relate to her story of fighting cancer or know someone in a similar situation.
“Natasha grew up in Moree, she is a niece to the Macey family; a large Moree family and many of her aunts and uncles are here. This is the second time she is facing a brain tumour, the first was 20 years ago, which she had beaten until now and we hope everyone pops by to support her,” Mrs Williams said.
Ms Battistuzzi’s one wish is to extend her life just long enough to see her 18-year-old son Justin, graduate from university and her 20-year-old daughter Emily, get married and maybe give her a grandchild.
"My goal is I want to at least get another three years," Ms Battistuzzi said.
"I want to see my baby finish uni and I'd like my daughter to have my first grandchild so I can meet that one, too. As a single mother, I worked hard to get him there; I want to see him finish."
Ms Battistuzzi said her daughter's wedding had been moved forward to August and took place at a small hall in Leeville.
Her journey started in February after suffering from numerous headaches.
She was told by numerous doctors there was nothing that could be done, until she found renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo, who helped perform the operation.
Unfortunately, Dr Teo said the biopsy showed the tumour was growing rapidly and would press on the main artery in her brain, bringing on a stroke much earlier than the original three to five years predicted.
Doctors were unable to operate again because the wound would need more than six months to heal.
Ms Battistuzzi recently met with a specialist radiologist to discuss treatment options. Since the results of the biopsy, Ms Battistuzzi's family and friends have been fundraising on her behalf to help pay for treatments to extend her life and make some memories with her two children.
Also, three years ago, Ms Battistuzzi was diagnosed with stage one melanoma, only two millimetres off being stage two. It was removed, and once again, she beat cancer.
To follow Natasha’s story like the Facebook page ‘Help Natasha through her fight’ or to find out more on how to donate locally contact Debbie on 6752 2635.
