THE Berghauser family are $35,000 short of securing lifesaving surgery for their nine-year-old daughter after five months of campaigning.
Charli Berghauser was dealt a devastating blow to her quality of life when she was diagnosed with a pineal cystic tumor in August 2018.
She recalled experiencing the “worst headache” of her life in October 2017 before it was diagnosed.
The tumor is in the middle of her brain, blocking cerebrospinal fluid from flowing.
The Jimboomba State School student and Jimboomba Thunder Rugby League junior has suffered constant headaches, blurry vision, dizziness and learning difficulties ever since.
Charli’s mother, Kassandra Humphry, told the Jimboomba Times urgent action was required.
“If left untreated, the blocking of the fluid can cause brain damage or death,” she said.
“The sooner we treat it the better. She could have these symptoms for six months or six years...she could go tomorrow.”
Australian neurosurgeon Charlie Teo is among one of the few doctors in the world who can perform surgery to remove the tumor, but it comes at a cost of $100,000
The Berghausers raised $65,000 in five months and are desperately calling for more donations to reach their target as soon as possible.
The family have organised an online Facebook event ‘chance4charli’ on Friday January 25 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm with the hope of ramping up more community support.
To support Charli donate to the #chance4charli GoFundMe page.