By Luke Voogt
A GoFundMe page has raised more than $60,000 in four days for brain surgery for a young Leopold hairdresser, restoring its creators’ “faith in humanity”.
Tara Smith and Sarah Fowler created the page for long-time friend Abbey Gasparini on August 18, with Abbey’s sister Ella, after she fell ill a few months ago.
“That half the donations have been from strangers shows just how generous the Geelong community is,” Tara told the Indy.
Abbey had suffered agonising headaches for months, Sarah said, due to a pineal cyst in her brain.
The cyst was pressing on vital structures and blocking the flow of cerebral-spinal fluid, and would lead to severe problems if left untreated.
“We were quite shocked. You don’t feel like something like that is going to happen to someone close to you,” Sarah said.
“But she’s been really strong through it all.”
The friends hope to raise enough for Abbey to undergo unique brain surgery in Sydney, by Charlie Teo, the only neurosurgeon in Australia who performs the procedure.
“It took a lot of convincing because she’s very private with her health,” Sarah said. “But she’s over the moon that so many people have come out and donated.”
Originally Sarah and Tara had hoped to raise $10,000 to support the family.
“No-one is going to have a spare $90,000 lying around,” Tara said.
“If your daughter or sister had to get this operation money is the last thing you need to worry about on.”
A single $10,000 donation – from family friend Ben Mansell – and $50,000 in the first day exceeded their wildest expectations.
“It’s the most amazing thing,” Tara said.
“I’m constantly refreshing the GoFundMe page.”
The page has raised $64,255 of its $90,000 goal to cover the operation.
If it goes beyond the amount Abbey will donate the remainder to people with a similar condition, Ella said.
“I don’t think this is something Abbey, her family or anyone around her will forget for the rest of her life,” Tara said.
The pair have known 22-year-old Abbey since she was 13 and described her “as the life of party” who would “do anything for anyone”.
“She’s always the hilarious, happy one and everyone has felt her missing,” Tara said.
“I think that’s why everyone has gotten around her – it’s not like her to be wrapped up at home on the weekend.”
Geelong businesses are also getting on board.
UNO nightclub will hold a fund-raising night this Saturday, donating half its takings to the GoFundMe campaign.
Ernest and Joe Jewellery, owned by Abbey’s aunt, sold rings last weekend named after their niece to raise money for the surgery.
“Abbey needs some love and all the support she can get,” Sarah said.
“We miss her more than anything.”
Sarah encouraged people to donate at www.gofundme.com/abbeysbrainsurgery
