JUST over a year ago, Bacchus Marsh woman Faith Brewer’s life turned upside down.
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She’d complained of a headache early in the day, but thought nothing of it – until she found herself in hospital later that night.
The 42-year-old had suffered a major seizure and was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and would later be informed by doctors of two tumours on the primary motor area of her brain.
Attempts to remove them have thus far proven unsuccessful.
The diagnosis has, predictably, thrown a spanner into the works of the Brewer household, but it has inspired family friend Brett Williams to do something.
Mr Williams, also from Bacchus Marsh, selected Wodonga as the starting point of a 340 kilometre walk from the Border to Melbourne to raise money for brain cancer research.
He set off from the water tower on High Street at 9am on Thursday, and anticipates he will arrive in the Victorian capital in about 10 days.
“She’s (Faith) got two brain tumours, she’s got two daughters, and she’s only 42 years old,” Mr Williams said.
“I lost my mum when I was only 24, she was only 45 and died of cancer.
“Faith is only 42 with two young daughters – I wanted to do something to help.”
Ms Brewer continues to do her best to go about life as she did before the diagnosis, but the two tumours have had a significant impact on her mobility.
Coupled with the costs for treatment, life has become increasingly difficult.
“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.”
The mother of two said the incoming support had been overwhelming.
“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.
Mr Williams is hoping to raise $50,000 with his gruelling walk, and has already raised $16,000 before even taking a step.