Latest news with #Zoë
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I was given 6 months to live after a ‘pulled muscle' in yoga class – just days after I gave birth
'I remember thinking I was going to die and I wasn't going to see Penelope grow up,' the mum said about the day she found out she might die TRAGIC DIAGNOSIS I was given 6 months to live after a 'pulled muscle' in yoga class – just days after I gave birth ZOE Handscomb-Edwards was shocked to learn a pain she thought was a pulled muscle was diagnosed as cancer. At 44, mere weeks after having her first baby, Penelope, the mum from Dorset faced a devastating prognosis - she had as little as six months left to live. 8 Zoë has been given as little as six months to live Credit: Kennedy News 8 The lump on the mum's right thigh that she initially believed to be a pulled muscle Credit: Kennedy News 8 The 44-year-old was pregnant when she discovered she had cancer Credit: Kennedy News 'It was the worst day of my life,' said Zoë, a digital marketing manager, as she remembered being told she had sarcoma, a type of cancer that starts in the bones and soft tissue. It's a fairly rare illness, with around 15 people diagnosed each day in the UK - adding up to roughly 5,500 cases annually. It all began in October 2022 when Zoë first spotted the lump on the back of her right thigh. She said: "I was in yoga with my friend, and I said 'what do you think this is?'. "The lump was bigger than a golf ball, it wasn't painful and I had no side effects from having it. "We both felt it and she said 'it feels like you've just pulled a muscle'." And then, Zoë found out she was pregnant. "It was incredible, we were so happy," she said. For "peace of mind" and so she could "focus on being a mum", Zoë decided to get the lump looked at by her GP in March. In May 2023, three months after her first doctor's appointment, Zoe was told she had PEComa, a very rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. The symptoms of sarcoma cancer including tummy pain "I was told the stats of PEComa is fewer than one in a million people worldwide each year," she said. "I remember walking out of the hospital and bursting into tears in the car park," she added. The mum was referred to the sarcoma clinic at Bournemouth Hospital in Bournemouth, Dorset, and then moved under the care of The Royal Marsden in Chelsea, London. The same month, while seven months pregnant with Penelope, Zoe underwent surgery to remove a 20cm tumour. A PET scan in August, just a month after her planned C-section, revealed the cancer had spread, defining her prognosis. "They told me I had between six months and two years to live," she said. 8 While seven months pregnant with Penelope, Zoe underwent surgery to remove a 20cm tumour Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 8 Her daughter was born via c-section in July 2023 Credit: Kennedy News "It was another worst day of my life," she added. "I remember thinking I was going to die and I wasn't going to see Penelope grow up. "The thought of not seeing her grow up is what always gets me, but it also keeps me going. "Every moment I have with Penelope and Rob, and my friends and family is precious." What is PEComa? PEComa is a very rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops from the cells lining the blood vessels. PEComa, also known as perivascular epithelioid cell tumour, is a very rare sarcoma that can occur anywhere throughout the body. But, it most often occurs in the uterus, skin, liver and gut. It's most commonly associated with young to middle-aged adults. It is also far more common in women. The cause of PEComa is unknown, but researchers think that PEComa is caused by errors in genes called TSC1 and TSC2. The mum was told her treatment options were limited as there is no reatment pathway for PEComa. "Radiotherapy gave me some more time," she explained. "I said I wanted to travel so we took Penelope at three months' old, while I was on maternity leave, and did a three-week trip around Europe, which was amazing. "I'm not trying to chase down a cure, obviously if my cancer went away that would be incredible but every doctor I've spoken to has said it's incurable. "In my mind I've thrown the prognosis out of the window and I'm just living, this August will be two years and I'm doing okay." After surgery on her leg and palliative radiotherapy, Zoë is now seeking 'experimental' treatments not available on the NHS. 8 The mum after her leg surgery Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 8 She is worried she won't see her daughter grow up Credit: Kennedy News Husband Rob Handscomb-Edwards, 37 and has launched a GoFundMe to raise money for them, to give Zoë as much time as possible with her family, including now, 23-month-old Penelope. Zoë said: "The radiotherapy bought me some time. This is how I've made peace with my cancer, we make a plan and do something that buys me more time. "Chemotherapy doesn't really help with PEComa. I've found other PEComa patients from around the world on Facebook and we share our information about what's helping them. "Unfortunately most of them are not covered on the NHS because they're considered experimental. "We're decided on a £40,000 goal for a year's worth of targeted treatment. "The outpouring of love from everybody keeps me going now it's a waiting game. It's been a really tough two years, but I've made my peace with it. "It's really important to raise awareness of rare cancers. It's so important to get any unusual lumps or bumps checked out as soon as possible." 8 Zoë and her husband Rob on their three-week trip around Europe Credit: Kennedy News
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
R35,000 in 30 Minutes: The world rallies to help little Zoë hear for the first time
Tracy Olivari and her beautiful daughter Zoë Image: Supplied Just days after her heartfelt plea appeared in the Weekend Argus, Tracy Olivari from Goodwood received the kind of news that changes lives forever. In a bid to raise R35,000 for her daughter Zoë's hearing assessment and treatment — a crucial step before the young girl starts Grade 1 — Tracy never imagined how quickly help would come. Thanks to international support, including a powerful boost from American YouTuber Colonel Chris Wyatt, the full amount was raised in just 30 minutes. 'I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,' Tracy shared. 'I thought I'd be waiting months — I didn't expect this to happen in three days, let alone in under an hour. I'm completely overwhelmed.' Four-year-old Zoë's story of being born prematurely at just seven months, and was given only hours to live, touched many people, including Wyatt, a retired US Army colonel known for spotlighting South African stories. Wyatt, shared Zoë's story with his audience, who responded almost instantly — giving Zoë not only a chance to hear for the first time, but the opportunity to start school on equal footing with her peers. Tracy with a brave little Zoë Image: Supplied An appointment has already been booked with an audiologist for 17 June, just ahead of the new school term. It marks the beginning of a long-awaited journey for Zoë, who has never been able to hear since birth and in turn affected her speech. 'At least now, I can take her for proper assessments. That's something I couldn't do before,' Tracy said. 'It's going to be life-changing for her — and for us as a family.' The generosity didn't stop with donations. Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services also jumped into action to help make one of Zoë's dreams come true. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services, immediately reached out to the Weekend Argus after reading Zoë's story. He offered her a personal tour of the Goodwood Fire Station — her favourite place. 'Most of us in the Fire Service are parents, and we all know the daily struggles and joys our kids bring to our lives,' said Carelse. 'Sometimes, the little moments — like bringing your child to a fire station — become the big ones. And who doesn't want to be a firefighter? We will make Zoë's day extremely special. We also want to show appreciation to Tracy, who is a single parent, and still giving 200% to make memories each day.' Tracy said she wants to stay transparent and keep supporters updated, and has launched a YouTube channel where she will document Zoë's journey — from diagnosis to treatment, and hopefully to the moment she hears for the first time. 'I want people to see where the money is going. I want them to feel a part of this journey. It's their kindness that made it possible.' Tracy recalled the exact moment everything changed. 'I had just left the office, and the campaign had only hit R1,100. My faith was low. I told myself I wouldn't keep checking because I'd just stress myself out. Then I got a call from my mum. She said, 'Tracy, we made it. Go and look.' When I saw that we'd gone over the target, I just cried. I was laughing, crying, silent — everything at once.' Even Zoë's older sister, just eight years old, was moved to tears. 'She said she's so excited to finally hear her sister's voice. We just held each other and cried.' Zoe Olivari Image: Supplied For Tracy, the journey is about more than just hearing aids or doctor's appointments. It's about the everyday moments most take for granted. 'She doesn't know what a bird sounds like. She's never heard my voice. I can't call out to her when she runs off — I just have to follow. I can't wait to hear her say: 'I love you, Mommy'. To hear it — not just feel it — that will be everything '2025 — who would've thought this would be the year everything turned around? It's a reminder that God really does come through. And that there are still incredibly good people in the world.' 'To every single person who donated — from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You've done more than help my daughter hear. You've shown us love, hope, and humanity. 'Thank you for the prayers especially- there is really power in prayer =. To the Fire department, thank you for reaching out, I know Zoë is going to love experiencing the big fire trucks, she's always been fascinated with it. 'And to the Weekend Argus — thank you for helping us tell our story…Thank you for being the one publication who got back to me. You helped change our lives.' [email protected] Weekend Argus
The Age
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Former Kiln chef Mitch Orr joins hip London spin-off at Oxford Street hotel
When London restaurateurs Zoë and Layo Paskin open three venues in Paddington this September, they'll tackle the Sydney market with some local talent in their corner. Sydney chef Mitch Orr has joined 25hours Hotel The Olympia as culinary director, responsible for steering the Paskins' restaurant, bar and coffee house in the new hotel. Australia hasn't always proved fruitful turf for UK hospitality imports. For every Clare Smyth success story with Oncore at Crown Sydney, there is Gordon Ramsay's closure of Maze in Melbourne, and Jason Atherton's retreat at Kensington Street Social, in Sydney's Chippendale. Orr, who ran his own restaurant, Acme, before launching Kiln restaurant at Ace Hotel Sydney, knows it can be tough for imported talent. 'Sydney doesn't really give a f--- unless you've built your name [here],' is the chef's candid appraisal. But he believes the Paskins have the right ingredients to succeed. 'There isn't that arrogance; they want to create amazing spaces people want to go to.' Orr points to The Palomar restaurant – which is being transplanted in Sydney, along with its award-winning cocktail and wine bar sibling, The Mulwray, and coffee and bakery concept, Jacob the Angel – as an example of the Paskins' Sydney approach. The Palomar has held an esteemed Michelin Bib Gourmand award since it opened in Soho in 2014; Orr said the Paskins are determined to make it a 'Sydney restaurant'.
Sydney Morning Herald
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Former Kiln chef Mitch Orr joins hip London spin-off at Oxford Street hotel
When London restaurateurs Zoë and Layo Paskin open three venues in Paddington this September, they'll tackle the Sydney market with some local talent in their corner. Sydney chef Mitch Orr has joined 25hours Hotel The Olympia as culinary director, responsible for steering the Paskins' restaurant, bar and coffee house in the new hotel. Australia hasn't always proved fruitful turf for UK hospitality imports. For every Clare Smyth success story with Oncore at Crown Sydney, there is Gordon Ramsay's closure of Maze in Melbourne, and Jason Atherton's retreat at Kensington Street Social, in Sydney's Chippendale. Orr, who ran his own restaurant, Acme, before launching Kiln restaurant at Ace Hotel Sydney, knows it can be tough for imported talent. 'Sydney doesn't really give a f--- unless you've built your name [here],' is the chef's candid appraisal. But he believes the Paskins have the right ingredients to succeed. 'There isn't that arrogance; they want to create amazing spaces people want to go to.' Orr points to The Palomar restaurant – which is being transplanted in Sydney, along with its award-winning cocktail and wine bar sibling, The Mulwray, and coffee and bakery concept, Jacob the Angel – as an example of the Paskins' Sydney approach. The Palomar has held an esteemed Michelin Bib Gourmand award since it opened in Soho in 2014; Orr said the Paskins are determined to make it a 'Sydney restaurant'.
IOL News
29-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Help Zoë hear: A mother's heartfelt appeal for life-changing surgery for her four-year-old
Zoe Olivari Image: Supplied All Tracy Olivari longs for is to hear her four-year-old daughter Zoë speak a full sentence — and for Zoë to finally hear her say the words: 'I love you. I'm proud of you.' But those dreams remain heartbreakingly distant. The Goodwood mother is making a public appeal for help to raise funds for a life-changing operation that could allow Zoë to hear for the first time. Born prematurely at just seven months, Zoë was given only hours to live. Doctors had to resuscitate her twice after birth, and she was immediately placed on life support, with severely underdeveloped lungs and around-the-clock medical care. 'The doctors told me she wouldn't make it,' Tracy recalled. 'But she proved them all wrong. She fought harder than anyone I've ever known.' Zoe was born at 7 months Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Tracy, a single mother, spent those critical days at her daughter's side, holding her hand, whispering prayers, and speaking life into her fragile little body. 'Hours turned into days, and days into months,' she said. 'And just like that, my brave girl's fighting journey began.' Now four years old, Zoë has an unbreakable spirit — but her fight isn't over. Because of complications from her premature birth, she has profound hearing loss. She cannot hear or speak, and her condition has delayed her development, cutting her off from the world around her. 'She's supposed to start school next year,' Tracy explained. 'But she can't attend a mainstream school, and the only special needs school nearby has a waiting list that just keeps growing.' There is hope. Doctors say that with a specialised hearing operation, Zoë could regain enough hearing to start learning to speak — and possibly attend a mainstream school. But the surgery costs R32,000, and Tracy, who works alone to provide for her family, simply cannot afford it. 'I've been trying to save up every month, but as a single mom, it's just impossible to reach that amount,' she said. 'We've also been on the public hospital's waiting list for more than a year, but nothing has happened. This year is our only window. If we miss it, she may fall too far behind.' Tracy is now appealing to the public for help. Zoe and her mommy Tracy Image: Supplied 'I'm not just asking for money,' she said, 'I'm asking for hope. I'm asking for the chance to give my daughter a future — one where she isn't always fighting, one where she can finally rest and enjoy life like any other child. 'I am also asking for prayers because I know, that prayer carries strength, look at how far it brought us.' She dreams of the day she can hear her daughter's voice — and of the day Zoë can hear the voices that love her most.
