Aussie battler in need of help

INNISFAIL mother-of-three Innes Smith is a true Aussie battler who never hesitates to help others.

“She’s such a giving person,” says her daughter, Kerri Kang. “She would take the shirt off her back for anybody.”

But right now, it is 55-yearold Innes who needs help.

Having just recovered from breast cancer, she has been diagnosed with an aggressive and terminal brain cancer, glioblastoma.

“For this to happen to her, it’s dreadful. It’s a huge shock for someone so young.”

Kerri has moved from Perth with her two young children to be near her mother and support her younger siblings, Ni- kita, 18, and Mitchell, 28.

She is also organising daily online auctions of her mother’s personal items and donated goods to provide palliative care and necessary alterations to the house.

“Eventually, she will not be able to walk and we’ve been told she may go blind. It’s quite scary. We’re just wanting to make things comfortable for mum,” Kerri said.

Innes received the unwelcome news of her breast cancer on Christmas Eve 2016.

“She went through chemo, had a year’s blood sweat and tears and beat the breast cancer. She had about six months good health before she found out about the brain cancer in July this year,” Kerri said.

“She was having seizures and her moods changed. Glioblastomas are known for changing people’s moods.

“She knew something was not quite right and was still having follow-up appointments for the breast cancer, so brought it up with the doctors.

“They gave her an MRI scan and that’s when they found it,” Kerri said.

“She went to Townsville with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and had surgery on September 5, but due to the aggressive nature of it, they couldn’t get it all out and there is no cure.

“Beforehand, we were optimistic. We thought she would have the operation and be able to live a long and happy life.

“She planned to spend more time in Perth with her granddaughters, but that’s not going to happen. We’ve been told the survival for people with glioblastoma is about a year.”

Items auctioned or donated to the family so far include signed copies of TV personality Mike Diamond’s new book, handmade footy themed cushion covers, plants, ornaments, jewellery, antique tractor seats and vouchers. To take part in the auctions, join Auctions for Innes on Facebook. To donate items to the family, contact Kerri on 0428 040 888 or email kimchichick@icloud.com