Alycia Bates, 31, diagnosed with terminal brain cancer

A 31-year-old woman whose excruciating headaches were dismissed by doctors discovered she was suffering from a terminal brain cancer.

Alycia Bates, from Melbourne, started complaining about dizzy spells, nausea, hear loss and daily headaches in January 2016.

By the time an MRI scan detected a ‘4x5cm mass growth’ in her brain surrounded by fluid in July 2017, she was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. 

Despite the shock diagnosis, her partner of nine years Mark Sepe proposed to her on her 31st birthday after saving up for her engagement ring for two years.

Now her best friend Krystle Moyle, 28, said she’s determine to raise money so Alycia could pursue her dream wedding.

Krystle Moyle, 28, (left) said she’s determine to raise money so her cancer-stricken friend Alycia Bates (right) could pursue her dream wedding

The 31-year-old woman underwent a five-hour surgery to have the growth removed from brain

The 31-year-old woman underwent a five-hour surgery to have the growth removed from brain

‘We have been inseparable for 15 years,’ Krystle told Daily Mail Australia.

‘When I told her about the GoFundMe page, she was extremely hesitant because she never puts herself out there like that.

‘She kept telling me that she wanted the money raised to go towards research and to spread awareness around the world – and to find a cure.

‘She’s the kind of person who puts everyone else ahead of herself and she would never ask for anything and make someone worry about her ever.’

Despite the shock diagnosis, her partner of nine years Mark Sepe proposed to her on her 31st birthday after saving up for her engagement ring for two years (pictured together)

Despite the shock diagnosis, her partner of nine years Mark Sepe proposed to her on her 31st birthday after saving up for her engagement ring for two years (pictured together)

By the time an MRI scan detected a '4x5cm mass growth' in her brain surrounded by fluid in July 2017, she was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer

By the time an MRI scan detected a ‘4x5cm mass growth’ in her brain surrounded by fluid in July 2017, she was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer

In July 2017, she was finally diagnosed with stage four brain cancer where she underwent surgery to remove the growth

Krystle recalled the day her friend broke the news about her cancer diagnosis.

‘Alycia just moved into her new home and she was giving me a tour when I joked “so when are you having babies because there’s a spare room…”

‘She looked at me and blurted out she had a mass growth cut out of her brain and she has stage four terminal brain cancer. 

‘I was in shock, I was trying to hold it together. I was looking at her thinking, she looks fine, what’s going on.’

Alycia started noticing something wasn’t right in June 2017 after she struggled to concentrate on writing a shopping list and her short term memory was very ‘hazy’.

As her symptoms persisted for the next 18 months, doctors assumed her condition was down to migraines or vertigo – a sensation of whirling and loss of balance. 

Following an episode in Bunnings a month later, she was rushed to hospital after she was unable to move her feet or feel the left side of her body.

The best friends have been inseparable for 15 years - and Krystle said she's determined to give Alycia her dream wedding

The best friends have been inseparable for 15 years – and Krystle said she’s determined to give Alycia her dream wedding

When she met with doctors, her symptoms were ignored despite complaining about headaches and ‘sound cutting in and out’ of her ears. She was prescribed painkillers.

But in July 2017, she was finally diagnosed with stage four brain cancer where she underwent surgery to remove the growth.

Earlier this year, Alycia was told her chemotherapy treatment no longer responds well to her condition.

Despite her whirlwind journey, Krystle said her friend has remained positive.

‘She’s so young and healthy but in saying that, she has met her palliative care team and has been told to put her affairs in order just in case,’ she said.

‘The other day Alycia said to me “I know this is horrible but can you please tell me what items remind you of me so I can add to my will – that just killed me.’ 

Alycia started noticing something wasn't right in June 2017 after she struggled to concentrate on writing a shopping list and her short term memory was very 'hazy'

Alycia started noticing something wasn’t right in June 2017 after she struggled to concentrate on writing a shopping list and her short term memory was very ‘hazy’

Earlier this year, Alycia was told her chemotherapy treatment no longer responds well to her condition

Earlier this year, Alycia was told her chemotherapy treatment no longer responds well to her condition

Now her family and friends are rallying behind her to bring her wedding forward.

‘We don’t know how much time she has left,’ Krystle, who will be one of the bridesmaids, said.

After being moved by her heartbreaking story, John Parker Events has offered to donate a completely free hens night for Alycia.

‘She will be getting married in May and we would love to give her the wedding of her dreams – and any money left over will go to cancer research,’ Krystle said.

‘I just want her to be cured, I want to be able to grow old with her, have kids at the same time and be soccer mums in our Range Rovers together.

‘Alycia is such a kind and compassionate person. She still tells us today she would prefer the money go to research instead of her.

‘But she’s a woman with a heart of gold and deserves the wedding of her dreams without the financial stress and impact on her health.’

To make a donation for her dream wedding, please visit the GoFundMe page.



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