Moura rallies around ill Veronica
MOURA'S Veronica Homer was a happy, vibrant, healthy mother of two when she suffered acute pain in November 2010.
As a result she underwent emergency surgery in Brisbane, with the surgeon removing a football-sized tumour from her stomach.
Veronica was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour of the pancreas.
The surgery was successful but life-changing as it removed her entire stomach and most of four other internal organs.
Veronica slowly recovered from surgery but by February 2011 her liver was swollen and riddled with tumours. She was given less than a week to live.
But Veronica is defying all odds.
She has had two 12-24 week cycles of chemotherapy, a dose of radioactive beads delivered directly into the liver and what her friends describe as many miracles along the way.
Since being diagnosed Veronica, who her friends affectionately refer to as V, her grazier husband and two sons have relocated to Brisbane to access treatment.
The next step in Veronica's journey is regional oncothermia treatment/whole body hyperthermia in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Hyperthermia is the heating of the body, which when used in conjunction with chemotherapy, increases its effectiveness.
This treatment is not available in Australia and costs about $25,000 per visit to Germany. More than one trip may be necessary.
To make the treatment possible, a group of Veronica's friends have teamed up to raise funds.
"The money we raise will help finance V's treatment and part of the money will also go towards the Radiowave Barlow Trust," friend Kylie Mactaggart said.
The Radiowave Barlow Trust was established by Jenny Barlow who has been lobbying the government for multiple studies of oncothermia and low-dose chemotherapy in the hope of bringing the treatment to Australia.
Veronica's friends have organised a gala dinner called La V Va which will be held on July 28.
It will feature live entertainment and there will be a number of items for auction on the night. Seating is limited for the event.
On the same day, the fundraising committee will also host the Bindaree Bush Run and people are invited to run, walk or ride a five, 10 or 15km course.
Registration will start at 6.30am at Moura Rotary Park for a 7am start. Participants are asked to make a donation to Veronica's cause.
"It has just reminded just how short life can be and has really made us appreciate all our relationships," Kylie said.
Veronica's healing hands as a physiotherapist touched many people in the community.
Veronica will leave for treatment in Germany on August 5.
