In a heart-warming show of generosity the community fund-raising efforts raised $24,000 in just under four weeks. 

Nowra resident Melanie Lattanzio has orchestrated the Shoalhaven fund-raisers on behalf of her sister Lisa Tubnor who lies near Mudgeee and has battled Lyme disease since 2011.

 “Funds have come to us from various ways, I have had my little fundraising effort through Zest Cafe and my head shave netting about $2500,” Ms Lattanzio said.

“My mum also had her hair shaved, as well as two of Lisa’s friends, my dad had his chest waxed as did some other locals including Lisa’s husband Carl.

“There were also some donations given to us from close friends of Lisa’s holding their own fund-raising efforts prior to the day.

“The day was to get people together to raise awareness of Lyme disease and also to raise funds for Lisa and another lady suffering Lyme, Gloria Mills.

“The event was attended by about 250 people and we managed to raise approximately $14,000 in a day.

“I still have an online pledge page happening for Lisa which is currently sitting at around $10,100 with a little over a month left to go. The people who set up the pledge page for me contacted me to ask could they spread our story through media channels also as we have raised so much money in such a little space of time.”

To learn more about Mrs Tubnor’s condition or to donate, pop into Zest Cafe, phone Mel on 0423 124 403 or visit peoplepledge.com.au/2014/lisa-tubnor/.

For more information about Lyme disease and local fund-raising efforts go to facebook.com/groups/Lymeandco/.