Friends have issued an urgent plea for help after a 21-year-old Sydney woman was diagnosed with a stage 3 malignant brain tumor after experiencing a series of mysterious symptoms while traveling Europe.
Jenaya Shaw began experiencing nausea and daily bouts of vomiting during her trip, with her symptoms then escalating to headaches, losing her balance, and vision loss in her right eye.
Traveling with her best friend at the time, they were forced to cut their trip short by a week before Ms Shaw was dealt the devastating news.
“My world came crashing down as only been 21 years old. I knew we had a big journey from that on, but I’m so glad to have everyone by my side in the meantime,” Ms Shaw shared in a post on social media.
“This has taught me numerous amounts of lessons, the main one being your health is truly most important, and if we don’t have our health we have nothing.
Upon returning to Sydney, she was given the “devastating” diagnosis. She remains in hospital and in the last three months has undergone three “invasive” brain surgeries.
A friend of Shaw created a GoFundMe to help alleviate the financial pressures associated with her treatments and operations. The funds will also be used to support her family, who have remained at her bedside and been unable to work.
The fundraiser has raised more than $28,800 with an ultimate target of $35,000.
“Having already endured three invasive brain surgeries, Jenaya has been robbed of her youth and all the dreams and aspirations that accompany it,” wrote campaign organizer Chelsea Ashe.
“The weight of grief and confusion settles heavily upon her, for how could such a cruel fate befall such a vibrant and healthy young woman?”
Sharing the GoFundMe, Ms Shaw’s best friend, Christina Argi described her friend as the “kindest (and) most amazing person I know,” and urged people to donate to the campaign.
“To Jenaya, you are the strongest person I know. Your determination and positivity during this time amazes me.
“I love you so much. You’ll beat this,” Ms Argi wrote.
