Mum with rare cancer faces 'nightmare' over daughter's future

Since they met while holidaying in 2012, Miriam Newman and her husband Diva Yana, have lived in different countries.

They travelled between Bali and Australia, raising their daughter Mahayla together, and relishing the moments they had as a family.

But in 2021, while the family were separated by COVID-19 lockdowns, Ms Newman was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer.

Now she's raising money for her husband's Australian visa before her health worsens.

"The fear of dying from this horrible disease is bad enough but the thought of leaving my 10-year-old daughter without a parent in the same country as her is a nightmare I live with every day," she said.

"I lost my mum when I was 11 and my dad wasn't around.

"I know what it's like and I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

Ms Newman lives in Rockbank, on the western edge of Melbourne, and works in a nearby cafe as a barista. It's a gruelling job that requires the cancer patient to stay on her feet all day.

"I really, really need my husband here to support both Mahayla and I, not only emotionally but financially too. Working alone to support our family is taking its toll on my body and my mental health," she said.

"At night time I get in bed and I could cry. It is so much pain and it's getting worse."

Before the lockdowns the family enjoyed going back and forth between regional Victoria and Bali.

Mr Yana, who does not have rights to work in the country, would come to Australia for extended visits, on a tourist visa.

But, as the family prepares for the worst, Ms Newman wants to ensure her husband will be in Victoria so that their daughter will be able to stay in her community.

The 10-year-old is a passionate sportsperson and is "active every single night of the week" at activities including netball and dancing.

"My fear is that it all goes down so fast and they send her over to Bali. She doesn't even speak Indonesian so she can't go to school over there," Ms Newman said.

To pay for the application, medical check and advice from a immigration agent Ms Newman is facing a $15,000 bill.

"I can't stop working. I have a daughter to support so this is my last chance. I have tried everything I can to save and raise this money," Ms Newman said.

A fundraiser through GoFundMe has been started for the family with almost $500 raised at June 11.