The late Simone McLiesh, affectionately known as "Mon," was from Upper Coomera, Queensland. The community and her family are struggling to prepare her burial and support her two children, making this news especially heartbreaking. Tayla Cooper, Simone’s closest friend, is organizing a fundraiser for her funeral and her children’s needs.
Simone, a loving mother of two, endured nearly two years of severe pain before being diagnosed with bladder cancer. She underwent a full hysterectomy and was fitted with a bladder bag, with doctors initially giving her a few years to live. Despite her weakened state post-surgery, she remained in good spirits. However, further tests revealed that the cancer had spread to her stomach, drastically reducing her life expectancy to 18 months with chemotherapy or 12 months without it.
Hoping to see her son Mason turn 18, Simone chose to undergo chemotherapy. On May 27, 2024, she began her first session and initially felt better than expected. Tragically, her condition rapidly declined, and on the morning of June 6, 2024, she passed away in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, just ten days after starting treatment.
Simone’s death at 49 has left a significant void in the lives of her children, Marlee and Mason, and everyone who loved her. Tayla Cooper’s fundraiser aims to cover the funeral expenses and provide financial support for the children during this difficult transition. The goal is to raise $5,000 AUD to ensure Simone receives the send-off she deserves and to help the children with necessities like groceries, school fees, and extracurricular activities.
"Please help us to give her the send-off she deserves, so we can put her body to rest, though her spirit and love will never truly be gone," Tayla writes. The community is called upon to contribute whatever they can to ease the financial burden and allow the family to focus on healing and being there for each other.
Note:This post was written and edited by Riley Anderson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.