By Sumeyya Ilanbey
On an average Wednesday in September last year, Faith Brewer complained of a headache.
She didn’t think much of it.
But later that night, Ms Brewer, 42, had a “really big” seizure and was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in an ambulance.
Following scans, doctors identified two brain tumours sitting on the primary motor area in her brain.
Attempts to remove the tumours have been unsuccessful.
“I have really bad epilepsy [as a result], so I can’t drive,” Ms Brewer said. “I’ve got a big limp, my right side is shaky, my leg is shaky and I feel horrible.
“I’ve had seizures often since Christmas. I might go a week without any, but then have three in a day.”
Ms Brewer has been unable to work since her diagnosis and with two primary school-aged daughters, life has been turned upside down for the family.
Medical bills, including the weekly specialists visits and expensive medicines, are starting to take a toll on the Newport family.
When Bacchus Marsh man Brett Williams heard of Faith’s story, he was touched. It spurred him to take action and raise money for this “beautiful” family.
Although he can’t imagine walking in the shoes of someone diagnosed with brain cancer, he’s decided to walk 340 kilometres to raise awareness of the insidious disease and funds for the Brewer family.
Mr Williams will walk from Wodonga to Bacchus Marsh from September 20-29.
“I wanted to do something to help [Faith],” Mr Williams said. “I just want to help people – that’s just me. And I wanted a challenge to do a walkathon and raise money for someone who’s pretty crook.”
Ms Brewer said she was overwhelmed by the support from a stranger willing to take on a mighty challenge.
“I’m at home a lot – I won’t be able to work again,” Ms Brewer said.
“I can’t drive and that impacts on the family a lot … all the drugs are expensive, I’m a zombie … I have to sleep most of the day.”
She said the money raised by Mr Brewer’s walkathon would help the family, which had taken a big financial hit.
Donations can be made to a bank account. Account name: Walking for Faith. BSB number: 633 000. Account number: 1633 82591
