Soap Star Alea O’Shea is being met with a wave of support as she continues her fight against brain cancer. The former “Home and Away” actress, 25, has inspired friends and fans alike, prompting those closest to her to launch a GoFundMe on March 26 to help cover the rising costs of treatment. In just a few days, the fundraiser gained momentum, reflecting the strong community rallying behind her.
GoFundMe Highlights Financial Strain as Support Grows for Alea O’Shea
GettySupporters say the fundraiser was launched to help ease the rising cost of treatment and to reflect the widespread admiration for O’Shea’s resilience as she continues her fight.
“Over the past months, Alea has been bravely facing brain cancer and the many treatments that come with it,” the fundraiser’s description reads.
“Last week, she underwent another surgery as part of her ongoing fight.”
“While her courage has never wavered, the journey has been incredibly challenging for both Alea and her family,” the description continues.
“Like many families navigating serious illness, they have discovered that a number of essential cancer treatments, therapy, and procedures are not covered by private health insurance, creating a significant and ongoing financial burden.”
Actress Known for ‘Home and Away’ Role Receives Ongoing Care
O’Shea, best known for playing Darcy Callahan on “Home and Away” between 2011 and 2017, is now focused on her treatment as she and her family navigate the realities of her diagnosis.
According to the fundraiser, those closest to her have been working around the clock to secure the care she needs, with many treatments and therapies bringing significant out-of-pocket expenses.
The campaign has since become a central way for fans and the wider community to show their support, offering both financial help and encouragement as she moves through an incredibly challenging time.
What O’Shea Shared About Early Symptoms & Diagnosis
The actress first went public with her diagnosis on her social media video posted on November 28, sharing a candid account of the early symptoms that led to the discovery.
“I’m choosing to be open and honest about this online, because I want to live my life as normally as possible while I’m fighting this,” O’Shea shared in the video.
“About six weeks ago, I noticed that my smile was a little uneven, and it felt harder to talk, like getting my words out.”
“I had a few migraines, but nothing scary,” she continued. “Then, whilst I was recently in L.A., I lost feeling in two of my fingers, which then crept into my wrist and then my toe.”
At first, O’Shea believed the symptoms pointed to a pinched nerve. But after her physiotherapist encouraged her to seek further evaluation, she underwent a brain scan that led to the diagnosis.
She now urges others to trust their instincts and seek professional advice if something does not feel right.
Star Remains Hopeful While Supporting Others Through Her Journey
Even as she faces an uncertain road ahead, O’Shea has held on to her humor and resolve while preparing for the realities of treatment.
“I can still walk, I can still lift my arm,” she said in one of her videos. “Can I flip you off? No. Thumbs up, point? No. Or hold things? No, but the good news is where it is on my brain isn’t gonna affect my personality, so I’m still going to be as hilarious.”
Alongside her own fight, she has continued to support others, raising money to help women undergoing cancer treatment access wigs and feel more like themselves during a difficult time.
“Her generosity of spirit in the midst of such a difficult time has moved so many of us,” the fundraiser’s description reads.
“Many people in our community have been asking how they can help. This page has been created to give friends, family, and the wider community a way to support Alea by helping ease the financial pressure of medical treatments and related expenses.”
As she looks ahead, O’Shea says she plans to keep sharing her journey with followers as much as she can.
“I’m genuinely so blessed to be so well supported, independent, and able to keep doing what I love throughout this fight,” she said. “To everyone who follows me and has invested in my journey this far, regardless, thank you so much for being here and thank you for staying through this chapter.”
How to Help: As of this writing, the fundraiser has reached 92% of its goal, with $82,713 AUD raised out of $90,000 AUD across 617 donations. You can donate here.
