Nezi's friends rally to buy car
THE last thing Renee Jenkins needs is to have to worry about transport.
Renee's daughter, Inez 'Nezi' Emery, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the beginning of the recent school holidays.
The Maroochydore seven-year-old is undergoing treatment in Brisbane.
Ms Jenkins, who does not have a car, has relied on friends to help them get to and from medical appointments during the past three-and-a-half weeks.
The Leukaemia Foundation arranged accommodation to minimise travel for the family of three, which includes Nezi's brother, Kyl, three.
Ms Jenkins, a single mum, said she hoped to be able to return to the Sunshine Coast next week if Nezi's treatment went well.
However they will need to travel to Brisbane for at least the next six months and up to two years while Nezi continues treatment.
Ms Jenkins' friends have begun fundraising campaign, Wheels for Nezi, to buy a car to make life easier for the struggling family.
Laine Gregory, whose daughter Chloe is best friends with Nezi, said they hoped to raise about $5000 to buy a reliable second-hand car and put some money towards its running costs to ease the burden on the family during Nezi's illness.
"Prior to this, Renee was having to walk up to 3km each way to school, whether it was raining or freezing cold," Ms Gregory said.
"I was trying to organise something to help there and this has just hurried it up."
A Facebook page up on the weekend had attracted more than 450 supporters by yesterday afternoon.
Fundraising includes an online auction of items, from jewellery and clairvoyancy vouchers through to a package and $500 of painting and decorating services, will be held for nine days from this Friday.
A movie night is being planned, and donation tins have been placed at McKenzie Day Care of Auz, in Blanck St, Maroochydore, and Goodstart Early Learning Centre on Tallowwood Dr, Kuluin. More tins will be placed at yet to-be-named locations.
Ms Gregory said all money raised would be held in a trust account by the local Salvation Army.
To support fundraising, go to facebook.com/wheelsfornezi or phone 0402 729 592 for more information.
