Locals are rallying behind beloved Byron local Krystal Pillwein after she was diagnosed with stage 2 inoperable cervical cancer, launching a fundraising campaign to help ease the financial burden of her treatment.
Organised by Krystal’s close friend, Katelyn Rew, the fundraiser aims to give the well-known community volunteer the support she needs to focus on her recovery rather than the financial pressures that often accompany cancer treatment.
Ms Rew said the diagnosis had come as a devastating shock, with Krystal now facing intensive chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment is expected to affect her ability to have children.
While the road ahead will be challenging, Ms Rew said the woman who has spent years quietly supporting others is now being held up by the community she has long served.
Helping hand
‘If you’ve spent any time in the Byron Bay community over the years, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Krystal, or felt the ripple effect of her kindness,’ Ms Rew said.
‘She has been a constant pillar of support, always the first to raise her hand when someone needed help, and never asking for anything in return.’
Krystal became a familiar face to many following the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, volunteering in the clean-up effort before spending the next three years helping flood-affected residents through the Woodburn Hub.
‘She gave her time, energy and heart to hundreds of people navigating incredibly difficult circumstances. That is who she is at her core – someone who gives, uplifts, and quietly holds others through their hardest moments,’ Ms Rew said.
Alongside conventional treatment, Krystal is also pursuing complementary therapies, nutritional support, and lifestyle changes to give herself the best chance of recovery.
Friends say these additional costs, combined with reduced capacity to work, have placed significant financial strain on her.
Ms Rew said the fundraiser was an opportunity for the community to return some of the generosity Krystal had shown to others over many years.
‘We are coming together as a community to support her, to ease that burden, and to allow her to focus fully on her healing,’ she said.
People wishing to support Krystal can donate via the GoFundMe campaign, which can be found at https://gofund.me/7bc41003d or by searching for ‘Support Krystal Through Her Healing Journey’ on the GoFundMe website.
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