Donations from across the country are assisting a young farming family in north Queensland after they were struck by tragedy.
Luke and Colleen Angus replaced life on their station with hospital stays and specialist appointments, when Luke was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010. Tragically, early this year, the family also received the news that 14-month-old son Joel was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease.
The Angus family had to leave their cattle property, Plain Creek Station 180 kilometres south of Charters Towers, and move to Brisbane for medical treatment.
Luke underwent two resections, radiation and chemotherapy. Luke’s speech and the normal everyday use of his right hand and arm were affected and he remained in remission for four years.
In 2016, the tumor returned and Luke was required to go through a series of chemotherapy resulting in the tumor shrinking.
Early this year Luke began having seizures and an MRI declared that the tumor had advanced rapidly to an inoperable stage.
Colleen said this had shaken them all to the core and not something they had expected, given such good results only three months earlier.
Today, Luke is starting a new type of treatment while young Joel is undergoing a Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant in Brisbane.
A GoFundMe page was started a month ago by family member Joanne Angus in an attempt to raise funds to support the family.
Joanne said Luke and Colleen were facing many challenges including the cost of treatments not being covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
“Each and every single donation and peoples’ generosity has been treasured by Luke and Colleen, as well as so many well wishes and heart-warming messages.
“The money raised so far has certainly helped ease a burden, to make living expenses a lot easier during their time in Brisbane. That is all due to so very many kind-hearted people.
“Words cannot express the kindness that people have shared to this family.
“These horrible set backs are obviously very, very unexpected and if anybody at all could possibly help out again, each and every dollar will be a tremendous help.”
So far $22,402 has been donated to the Angus family you can donate at www.gofundme.com/support-for-luke-and-colleen-angus
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
