Tonci PRUSAC

MELBOURNE - A terminally ill Melbourne Croatian woman's family is rallying behind the mother of three, as they attempt to raise funds for the continuation of her life prolonging treatment in the United States.

Nancy Sargent, (maiden name Vrkic) is just 37 years old and has three children, Danica aged 2, Jerome aged 4 and Jameel, 16 years of age.  She is currently battling two brain tumors which are at stages three and four respectively.

The brain tumors in question - GBM and Astrocytes Brain cell tumors - cannot be operated on in Australia and Nancy is currently in the United States, where she is receiving much needed treatment to prolong her life.

According to her mother, Vesna Vrkic, this is a very costly exercise and the family is doing everything it can to help both Nancy and her immediate family.

''We are at the stage where she is selling her house and all her furniture to continue with the treatment,'' the distraught mother told the 'Croatian Herald' this week. 

''Recently, Nancy had a cardiac arrest and was hospitalized. We have asked her to come home but she wants to live as long as possible to see her children grow and have the little ones remember her.

''We have asked the Croatian churches in Springvale, Clifton Hill and Sunshine to pass the 'hat' around at Sunday mass and the good Croatian people of Victoria have donated, which is greatly appreciated. My family thanks them with all their heart and soul. 

''However, due to the treatment being so expensive, we ask now if the Croatian community who read the 'Hrvatski Vjesnik' are able to donate towards the treatment. We are humble people, however, it has now come to the stage where we cannot, financially, do anymore ourselves,'' appealed Vesna Vrkic.

Any reader or organisation who is willing to donate any financial assistance to help continue Nancy's treatment - no matter how large or small the amount - can either contact Vesna Vrkic on (03) 9748 3089 or send a cheque or money order made out to ''Nancy Sargent'' to PO Box 1220, Hoppers Crossing, VIC 3029. All donations are greatly appreciated.