Community
4 May, 2026
Locals urged to throw their support behind fundraiser
Local residents are being asked to throw their support behind a much-loved family whose world has been turned upside down by a shock medical diagnosis.
Local residents are being asked to throw their support behind a much-loved family whose world has been turned upside down by a shock medical diagnosis.
Jo French, 43, from Hilltop – a daycare and primary school teacher for more than 20 years – was last year diagnosed with a rare disease called Central Nervous System Vasculitis (CNSV).
It is a condition affecting less than two in every one million people.
Unfortunately, it means Jo is unlikely to ever work again.
Close friend and NDIS worker Sarah Valentine said Jo was rushed to hospital on June 18, 2024 where it was discovered she had a carotid artery tear/dissection in her neck.
She had visited her local GP numerous times in the preceding week with severe headaches, neck pain and ‘wooshing’ in her ears, but it was put down to a possible sinus infection.
After being transferred to a larger hospital by ambulance and after weeks of testing, the French family received devastating news that Jo had experienced multiple strokes and suffered brain damage, and she was diagnosed with CNSV.
CNSV is an autoimmune disease that attacks and inflames the blood vessels of the brain and spine, causing strokes and aneurysms.
There is no cure but with the right treatment it can be put into remission.
Over the past 22 months Jo has gone through six months of chemotherapy, monthly Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions and four-monthly Rituxamb infusions just to stay alive.
There have also been countless specialist appointments, MRIs, CT scans, brain angiograms, as well as daily medications including steroids.
Medicare covers some of these through the public health system, but some of the infusions through the private health system are costing upwards of $4000.
Jo has no private health insurance.
Sarah said it had been an extremely stressful time for the French family, including husband Adam and children Deegan, 19 and Ally, 16.
Despite her medical problems, Jo has been extremely brave and has done her best to turn up for her kids’ soccer games and dance competitions and continues to enjoy her love of music and concerts - even if it means using aids like a wheelchair, mobility scooter or walking stick.
Sarah said the French family were the first to help others but would never ask for help themselves - hence why friends have organised a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Jo’s ongoing treatment and overseas treatment.
According to Sarah, Jo has been given the opportunity to access world class diagnostic treatments at UCLA in Southern California.
This is the first comprehensive multi-specialty program dedicated to CNSV and has had extremely promising results.
To access this program she will need to travel to the United States with support and pay for the assessments and diagnostic treatment.
The trip has already been booked for September.
There will also be significant costs for travel insurance, accommodation, transport to and from the facility and daily living costs whilst she is there.
However once the tests are complete she will be able to receive tailored treatment back home in Australia.
The Frenches have already sold one of their cars to help cover spiralling medical bills and were considering selling off their possessions.
However, Sarah said no-one should be forced to sell their belongings or give up their home to access medical treatment not covered by Medicare in Australia just to stay alive or to travel to another country for potentially life-changing treatment.
Sarah is hoping the GoFundMe campaign will raise at least $20,000 to cover existing expenses.
Any money raised above the $20,000 needed will go towards the ongoing care Jo will require for the rest of her life, including infusions, scans and medication.
It will also cover loss of income and will help create a safety net for husband if he needs to take time off work.
Sarah’s ultimate wish is that Jo’s trip to the United States and her treatment leads to remission.
“If any family deserves it, it’s this one,” she said. Sarah has urged people to donate as little as $5 or $10 by visiting https://gofund.me/5bec277c2
There is also a raffle with prizes generously donated by the local community.
Major prizes include Harry Styles tickets and signed Taylor Swift vinyls.
The raffle will be drawn on June 2 at 12pm live through Facebook.
For more information about the raffle visit: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1570869?fbclid=IwVERDUAROuphleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe94xO1WhdqwVbgYRMki3W5pyXrhfsFJ08FZXw-QDNIXU_mavpjhNvT6IVwCs_aem_Pno-TJMi52JjrlKtd37oiA
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