Beechworth mum-of-three Sarah Waters is recovering in Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital after undergoing life-saving brain surgery with Dr Charlie Teo.
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Her partner, Andrew Kavanagh, said the four-hour operation had gone well and “at least 95 per cent” of an “inoperable” tumour had been removed by the renowned neurosurgeon on Wednesday.
Andrew said Sarah had been moved out of ICU, was awake and had recognised both him and her sister after the operation.
“It’s still early days and very much a wait and see situation,” he said on Thursday.
“Her speech is off at the moment, she’s really tired and we are just letting her rest.”
The family turned to Dr Teo in desperation at the end of September after Sarah was told her grade 2 glioma was in a tricky spot and surgeons were reluctant to operate.
The controversial medico, famous for operating on patients other surgeons have decided are beyond help, said he was prepared to take out Sarah’s tumour.
Since then family and friends have been frantically trying to raise the $100,000 needed to pay for the surgery.
On Thursday the gofundme campaign had raised $95,645 with supporters pitching in at the last minute as a spot with Dr Teo became available this week.
Wonderful neighbours moved in to the couple’s home to mind Oli, 10, Sadie, 3, and Archie, 7, as their brave mum went into surgery.
Fundraising is continuing at pace as the popular family still faces a mountain of costs outside the surgery bill.
On Saturday, October 27 the community will rally for a Burpees for Brain Surgery event organised by neighbour Jane Archer.
The fitness enthusiast has pledged to complete 1000 burpees in a row to support her friend and will be joined by 80 others at the Beechworth football grounds from 10am.
“We have received heaps of support and there are 20 teams involved in the challenge,” Jane said.
“There will also be a community burpee station where individuals can pay their way to add burpees to the tally.
“So far we’ve raised $17,000 but there are still heaps of raffles as well as wine and beer from Bridge Road Brewers to auction.”
The event has been organised as a family day out with jumping castles and kids’ games as well as water and cordial donated by Billson’s Brewery.
