Jenaya Shaw experienced it in Europe – on the trip of a lifetime – when she suddenly became so unwell she had to cut the holiday short and go home.
The 21-year-old from Sydney started feeling sick, had increasing headaches, was unsteady on her feet and even lost the sight in her left eye.
Doctors in Europe couldn’t find the cause of Jenya’s sudden very disturbing symptoms, but the normally healthy blonde knew something was wrong so booked an early flight home.
When she got home, medical staff discovered the problem: a stage 3 brain tumor. Jenaya has been in the hospital ever since.
Jenaya Shaw was traveling in Europe when she started experiencing massive headaches, nausea and vision loss
‘My world collapsed when I was only 21 years old. From that moment on, I knew we had a big journey, but I’m so happy to have everyone by my side in the meantime,” Jenaya shared in a social media post.
“This has taught me countless lessons, the most important of which is that your health is truly the most important thing, and if we don’t have our health, we have nothing,” she added.
Jenaya has been in the hospital for the past three months and has undergone three “invasive” brain surgeries.
The young woman was so unwell that she cut her trip short by a week to return home
A friend has one GoFundMe to help alleviate the financial strain associated with her treatments and surgeries. The money will also be used to support her family, who have been at her bedside and unable to work.
The fundraiser has raised more than $28,800 with a final goal of $35,000.
“Having undergone three invasive brain surgeries, Jenaya has been robbed of her youth and all the dreams and aspirations that come with it,” campaign organizer Chelsea Ashe wrote.
Jenaya Shaw brain tumor Photo: Facebook
“The weight of grief and confusion weighs heavily on her, for how could such a cruel fate befall such a vibrant and healthy young woman?”
Her best friend, Christina Argi, described Jenaya as the “kindest (and) most amazing person I know,” and urged people to donate to the campaign.
“To Jenaya, you are the strongest person I know. Your determination and positivity during this time amazes me.
‘I love you so much. You will beat this,” Ms. Argi wrote.