By Wendy Williamson
A Beaconsfield netballer has been given a second chance at life after successful surgery to remove a rare malignant brain tumour.
Ciara Nelson, 18, is recovering well following the removal of the tumour in a gruelling five-hour operation.
The operation was performed earlier this month by world-leading neurosurgeon Charlie Teo.
Her mother, Colleen, said that Ciara was currently undergoing rehabilitation but was getting stronger every day.
The tumour was discovered in June 2016 after Ciara fell and hit her head during a netball game with her beloved Beaconsfield Football Netball Club.
The surgery was considered Ciara’s last shot, but it was a big decision to proceed with it.
Because the tumour was located in Ciara’s brain stem, surgery was considered too risky by the vast majority of neurosurgeons.
One slip of the knife and Ciara could have been left paralysed or blind.
Only Charlie Teo was prepared to operate – and Ciara appears to have been lucky.
“It was the best case scenario we could hope for,” said her relieved mother.
“She has some blurry vision in one eye, but we are hopeful her sight will come back fully.”
Colleen said the family was grateful for the enormous support from the community which allowed Ciara to have the lifesaving but costly surgery in Sydney.
More than $105,000 was donated through a GoFundMe page.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin then stepped up and kicked off a month of fundraising culminating in an event at Holm Park Reserve on 28 January.
Thanks to the generosity of the community and local businesses, the goal of the final $30,000 required was surpassed by $10,000.
Colleen said she wished to make special mention of Mr Battin.
“He went above and beyond what anyone would expect of a local member,” she said. “He really was incredible.”
She said the Beaconsfield Football Netball Club had also been wonderfully supportive.
Maybe one day Ciara will be well enough to again play netball with the club.
That is certainly her dream.
Mr Battin said he was delighted to hear that Ciara was recovering well.
“When Ciara’s mum Colleen contacted me for help to raise money for her surgery with Dr Charlie Teo, I had to give it my all – I have two daughters, and can’t imagine one of them being faced with the same diagnosis at just 16,” he said.
“We had an ambitious plan to raise $30,000 in 30 days and with the help of the local community and the generous donations of local businesses, we were able to exceed our fundraising goal.
“Being able to help Colleen, Ciara and their family has absolutely been one of the proudest moments of my time as an MP so far.”
