Steven and Pelin Tomeo with two-year-old son Aydin.
Camera IconSteven and Pelin Tomeo with two-year-old son Aydin. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson d481459

Piara Waters family grateful for kindness of strangers as mum and dad endure separate illnesses

Jessica NicoComment News

A PIARA Waters family has turned to the kindness of strangers for help as they struggle with mounting medical expenses.

Steven Tomeo suffered a back injury after falling from the roof but said his main concern was not his health, it was the thought of how he would provide for his children while he couldn’t work.

Adding to his worries is wife Pelin, who is also battling a chronic painful eye condition.

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Mr Tomeo said what started as blurred vision coupled with red eyes had quickly progressed to his wife waking up “screaming in agony and saying she can’t see a thing”.

Diagnosed with chronic uveitis, an inflammatory disease of the eye, he said they had been told there was a possibility she had optic nerve cancer, but that it was usually not picked up until late stages.

“I can no longer work so financially it’s becoming hard to keep up with bills, but most importantly to take care of the little ones as we both struggle,” he said.

“My wife tries to put on a brave face and pretend nothing is wrong and everything is fine, but I see her at night crying in pain, not sleeping.

“My workplace set up the GoFundMe after finding out my wife’s situation and knowing I can’t do it on my own.

“We have been advised to go over to America and seek help because they have the best eye clinic in the world and doctors who specialise in these rare and unique conditions, but the treatment is very expensive.”

Mr Tomeo said he was touched complete strangers were willing to help, even if in just a small way.

“I am shocked at the support so far,” he said.

“It was extremely difficult too even seek help; I wanted to do it on my own, not thinking anyone would help even if I asked, and to see strangers digging in their own pockets and sending comforting messages and organising fundraisers for us is unbelievable.

“They have no idea how much that means to us.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/helping-steves-family to donate.

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