THE Arcadia Vale woman racing the clock to raise $100,000 for life-saving brain surgery has booked in to have the operation on October 3.
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Sarah Holden, 35, said she had been amazed at the outpouring of generosity that had so far seen $55,000 of the required $100,000 raised for her surgery.
She is now desperately seeking to raise the balance by the cut-off date of September 17.
Ms Holden was diagnosed in January with a rare pineal cyctic tumour.
If left untreated, the tumour is likely to kill the mother of four.
Dr Charlie Teo, a leading Australian neurosurgeon, has agreed to perform the surgery at Prince of Wales Private Hospital, in Sydney.
Ms Holden was recently the guest of honour at a fundraising night, in her native Brisbane, which raised $27,000.
About 250 people attended the function, hosted by her family and friends at Fitzy’s Hotel and Conference Centre.
“It was unbelievable. I would have known, maybe, a maximum of 80 of the people there, yet people were so generous,” Ms Holden said.
The event featured raffles and the auction of donated items.
“We sold something like $7000 in raffle tickets. People were coming up and buying $300 worth,” Ms Holden said.
Among the donated prizes on offer were tickets to a John Farnham concert, tool boxes, accommodation vouchers, and packs of hairdressing products.
The auction was also a success, thanks to some heavy hitters including Australian boxer Jeff Horn who donated a pair of signed boxing gloves and a framed picture.
The rugby league community also got behind the fundraiser, Ms Holden said.
“There was a signed Queensland State of Origin jersey from the last game this season, and that went for $3500,” Ms Holden said.
“We had a NSW State of Origin jersey, too, and that one went for $1000.”
Ms Holden was also the recipient of a $4000 cheque from the cancer charity, Sleapy’s Day.
The support from Lake Macquarie had also been “incredible”, Ms Holden said.
“I’ve had someone send me a $2000 cheque, and a person from Dora Creek gave me $200,” she said.
“I’ve also had people give me $5, and I can’t thank them enough. It’s just been so heartwarming. Thank you so much for getting me past halfway!”
Ms Holden has a GoFundMe page, and also welcomes emails to sarahjholden83@gmail.com
