Community digs deep to support Liana’s cancer journey

THE Bellarine community and local soccer groups have rallied behind Liana Whitehand, raising more than $28,000 to date as she recovers from a lifesaving leg amputation.

The 24-year-old, who attended Leopold Primary School and played soccer with the Bellarine Sharks, was diagnosed with a rare cancer called osteosarcoma on the eve of her last birthday.

And, after bravely battling months of chemotherapy only to find out it had not worked,
had a section of her leg amputated a couple of weeks ago.

A group of nurses who work closely with Liana’s mum Lois, have set up a GoFundMe page to help with costs as she recovers, rehabilitates and learns to physically and mentally cope with this new way of living.

In time, Liana will also be hoping to purchase a prosthetic limb, which can cost upwards of $50,000.
“Liana had just completed her own nursing studies and was about to start her first nursing job, when her life was turned upside down,” organiser Stephanie Henriksen said.

“We would appreciate any financial help you can afford to give Liana while she travels along this difficult journey in her life.

“Mostly, we hope your donations will help her to feel she has a whole community of people behind her as she goes through the impossible decision to lose her limb to save her life.

“So even on the hardest days, she will remember your support.”

Stephanie said Liana was playing soccer with the Bellarine Sharks when she developed an ache in her left knee.

“She saw a physiotherapist for seven months, thinking it was a sports injury, and was advised it was a ‘weak muscle’, but the pain began to get worse, and she found it difficult to sleep through the pain.”

Lois and dad Jason advised Liana seek a second opinion, which involved an ultrasound and CT scan.

“Liana then received the dreaded news that she had a ‘mass’ in her knee,” Stephanie said.

“At 23 years of age, this was extremely frightening, and she feared the worst, but hoped for the best.

“She bravely went in for numerous tests, including an MRI, PET scan and biopsy on the eve of her 24th birthday.

“Unfortunately, Liana received the news she had been dreading, cancer.”

To date, “Liana’s cancer and amputation journey” GoFundMe page has raised $28,278.

Stephanie said everyone’s kindness and support was a wonderful reminder to Liana of how many people were behind her as she goes through this difficult time.

To support Liana’s journey, visit gofundme.com/f/lianas-cancer-and-amputation-journey.