Friends of Home and Away actress Alea O'Shea have raised more than $80,000 on GoFundMe as she continues her battle against brain cancer. The fundraiser, organised by Lauren Newton, has a target of $90,000 and donations are increasing daily.
O'Shea, 25, who played Darcy Callahan on the Australian soap from 2011 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2017, was diagnosed with brain cancer last year. She recently underwent another surgery as part of her ongoing treatment.
In a statement on the fundraising page, Newton wrote: 'Over the past months, Alea has been bravely facing brain cancer and the many treatments that come with it. 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 actress first revealed her diagnosis in December, describing the past few weeks as 'insane'. She documented the hair loss caused by radiation therapy and urged others to trust their instincts if they feel something is wrong with their health.
O'Shea initially noticed a slightly uneven smile and difficulty speaking, followed by loss of feeling in her fingers and wrist while working in Los Angeles. A brain scan confirmed the tumour. She said she is still able to walk and move, but the left side of her body has been affected.
