A mother in South Windsor, NSW, is facing a distressing situation as she battles terminal cancer. Jodi Hunter, 48, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, and the doctors have informed her that her condition is terminal. As she prepares for a surgery in November to determine the extent of her illness, she and her family have been hit with another devastating blow.
In late August, the Hunters received a 90-day eviction notice for their rental home of 11 years. This eviction notice comes at a time when Jodi Hunter might find herself homeless as she undergoes a critical surgery to assess her remaining time. It is a situation that adds immense emotional and financial stress to an already difficult ordeal for the family.
Jodi’s son, Thomas, expresses the impact this eviction has had on their family. He compares it to a natural disaster, saying it feels like a “comet” has struck their lives. Throughout their struggles, including previous challenges of losing their home and possessions, Jodi’s diagnosis is different. It is a loss that goes beyond material possessions; it’s the potential loss of a loved one.
The family is now desperately searching for another rental property, but financial constraints pose a challenge. Covering the necessary bond has become a significant hurdle. If they are unable to secure a new home soon, the Hunters could potentially face homelessness. They have reached out to the real estate agency representing the landlord for assistance but have not received a response thus far.
The eviction notice was issued under the current NSW law that allows a 90-day notice period for no grounds evictions. However, there are ongoing discussions for potential law reform to protect vulnerable individuals and families facing similar situations.
To assist with their relocation, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. They hope to raise $10,000 to cover moving expenses and secure a new home. As of Friday, they have received over $1,000 from kind-hearted donors who wish to help them in their time of need.
Jodi Hunter’s journey is not without its prior challenges. She has endured various complex medical conditions, including fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. Despite the hardships, Jodi’s unwavering spirit and the support of her loving husband, Dale, and her three sons have kept her going. Tom, one of her sons, emphasizes his mother’s resilience and describes her as the “toughest” person he knows.
In such a trying time, Jodi understands the importance of reaching out for help. Though initially denied assistance from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the family has submitted another application, hoping for a positive outcome. Their story serves as a reminder that there are times when resilience alone may not be enough, and it is okay to ask for support.
The Hunters continue to face adversity with strength and determination, using their “Smunter power” to navigate each day. This latest hurdle of potential homelessness only fuels their determination to conquer the challenges together as a family.