By Laura Michell
The Whittlesea community is rallying behind a young South Morang woman who has been told she has just 12 months to live.
Paige Rowe, 24, was diagnosed with brain cancer at 18 years-old after receiving a knock to the head while playing football.
She underwent a number of surgeries and had chemotherapy before being told she was in remission a few years ago.
But late last year, a surveillance scan found the cancer had returned.
Surgeons operated to remove a tumour and Paige was waiting to begin chemotherapy when she was hospitalised with meningitis, which caused swelling on her brain. A shunt was inserted to reduce the fluid build up.
But in late December, Paige was told another tumour had grown and the cancer had been upgraded to a stage four Glioblastoma Multiforme and was inoperable.
Paige, who played and coached football at South Morang Football Club, said she was trying to stay positive.
Family friends have launched fundraisers to help her achieve a life-long dream of travelling to the UK.
She hopes to visit Harry Potter world and visit the sites from the Game of Thrones. She would also like to go to Amsterdam to visit Anne Frank’s house.
Mum Debra said the diagnosis had “completely devastated” the family, adding they were blown away by the generosity of the community.
“We have always been a family that volunteered to help others through different sporting organisations mainly but it’s never expected to be returned. It’s very humbling,” she said.
“[The fundraisers] will make a huge difference to Paige. It’s been her dream to finish uni and then travel. She was six weeks short of completing her nursing degree when the latest tumour grew back.”
Family friend Leeanne Pemberton, who is helping organise a trivia night to raise money, hopes the fundraisers will help Paige make the most of her time.
A trivia night will be held on March 28 at Epping Memorial Hall. Tickets cost $40. Details: Leeanne on 0407 093 803.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help Paige get to the UK. It has so far raised more than $14,500. Details: bit.ly/2R9dXfG
