Health diagnosis leaves couple reeling

LINDSY Barton and Heidi Green are usually the ones lending a helping hand, but now, they need support as they face a devastating health challenge.

Heidi says it’s hard to ask for help, but Lindsy’s diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, has left them reeling.

The past few years have been tough – Heidi was diagnosed with a brain tumour just months before the 2022 floods hit, destroying their home and business, Furniture Wiz.

“The emotional toll from this disaster was immense, as we grappled with both the loss of our physical possessions and the stability that came with our business,” Heidi said.

Despite their loss, they worked hard to help other businesses repair and replace furniture so they could reopen.

In 2024, with the business slowly starting to rebuild, and Heidi in remission, Lindsy’s diagnosis came as a shock.

“It has left us feeling completely overwhelmed and anxious about what lies ahead,” Heidi said.

 

“Over the next 12 months, Lindsy will require our unwavering support as he undergoes a rigorous treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy, surgery, and additional therapies.”

Due to the type of cancer Lindsy has, he must travel frequently to Brisbane’s Princess Alexander Hospital for treatment by a specialised sarcoma team. Heidi travels with him to offer emotional and physical support.

It means they can’t work. The cost of travel and accommodation for the fortnightly treatments, sometimes lasting a week, further strains their finances.

The NSW Isolated Patient Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme covers some of the costs, but only a fraction.

The couple were in disbelief at the difficulty of sharing medical records and accessing financial help when seeking treatment interstate.

Heidi is calling for the states to work together more cohesively to share records and provide better support for interstate patients.

She has not been able to access subsidised accommodation as a spouse while Lindsy is in hospital, which she found ironic, coming from a town that has the Our House facility, built specifically to support families facing this situation.

 

Despite the challenges ahead, the couple exudes optimism, facing the treatments with humour and positivity.

As Lindsy loses his hair from the chemotherapy, he vows to paint his head as a different kind of ball each time he goes in for treatment.

“You have to keep your sense of humour,” he said. “It’s about putting a smile on your face.”

Heidi thanked the community for its support and said the funds would alleviate the stress of having to pay household bills and treatment expenses.

“We are so grateful. Your encouragement and compassion mean the world to us, and we thank you for being a vital source of strength as we navigate this journey together. Thank you.”

To make a donation, or offer words of support, go to www.gofundme.com/f/they-say-it-comes-in-3s-and-our-3rd-one-just-hit.