Tiffany Murray and daughter Milla (picture: Rob Baird, Herald Sun)
With her 11-month old daughter Milla and harness driving fiancé Leigh Sutton serving as inspiration, Tiffany Murray is putting up a tenacious fight against cancer.
The 22-year-old was diagnosed with a rare condition called rhabdomyosarcoma when she was just one. It was removed, but returned when she was eight and Tiffany is now dealing with an aggressive brain tumor known as glioblastoma multiforme.
"It's so overwhelming,” Tiffany said. “The oncologist said it's a super aggressive tumor, but I'm tough.”
"When I start to think about what Leigh and Milla will do without me, I tell myself it's not an option, I'm not going to die."
After experiencing a severe headache a fortnight ago, Tiffany’s condition rapidly deteriorated. She was admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne where she underwent a life-saving operation to remove a blood clot and tumor in her brain.
While the imminent threat has subsided, doctors are concerned that parts of the tumor remain in her brain and will carefully monitor Tiffany’s condition before deciding on what course of action to take.
Tiffany, Leigh and Milla’s family and friends have rallied around them at this difficult time, establishing a fund to help the young family cope with the costs of treatment.
You can contribute by e-mailing tiffanymurrayfoundation@hotmail.com or visiting the Facebook page to stay in touch and offer your support.
Harness identities have rallied to the cause including prominent trainer/driver Anthony Crossland who is donating all winnings from Buriton Bailey’s efforts at Ballarat on Sunday night to the Foundation.
Harness Racing Victoria CEO John Anderson said, “Tiffany and Leigh’s courage is to be admired at this daunting and uncertain time in their lives.
“HRV is considering ways in which we can help raise funds for the Foundation and we hope to announce something shortly.”
