A young South Australian family is asking for a helping hand after a devastating health battle has left them facing months without an income, mounting bills and an uncertain road ahead.
At just three months old, Evan Wilson was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition affecting the lungs and digestive system that has required a lifetime of daily treatments, hospital stays and medical care.
Now 25, Evan has spent much of his life defying the odds. Doctors initially believed he might only live to 20, but he has continued to push through countless health challenges and build a life with his partner, Keely.
The couple met in late 2019 in what their loved ones affectionately describe as a “Tinderella” love story.
They fell in love over the phone during lockdown, eventually getting engaged in 2021 before building their dream home and marrying in April 2024.
The couple then faced another hurdle when they wanted to start a family, with Evan’s cystic fibrosis meaning IVF was their only option for conceiving.
After Keely used money from her superannuation to help fund the process, their first IVF cycle was successful and, in June 2025, the couple welcomed their baby boy, Henry.
Throughout their relationship, Evan has continued to experience serious illnesses and hospitalisations, including spending Henry’s first Christmas in hospital while receiving treatment for tears in his lungs.
Now, his family says he is facing his toughest health battle yet. Evan has lived with MAC bacteria, a type of bacteria that can cause serious lung infections, since he was 17. Six weeks ago, what started as a cold developed into a severe infection, resulting in him coughing up blood.
The infection has since worsened, with two additional bacteria found in his lungs. Doctors discovered that one of Evan’s lungs had collapsed and that he had developed abscesses as a result of the infections.
His family says his only remaining treatment option is a lobectomy, which will involve surgeons removing an entire lobe of his lung and as much of the infection as possible.
The full extent of the infection will not be known until surgeons begin the procedure.
For Evan, the surgery comes with significant risks, including further infection, bleeding, recurrence of symptoms and potentially a shortened life expectancy.
It will also mean a lengthy recovery, with Evan expected to spend several weeks in hospital before surgery and at least three months recovering afterwards.
And while the medical challenges are enormous, the family is also facing a major financial burden.
Evan has been unable to work for the past six weeks and, as the family’s primary income earner, is expected to be off work for at least another four months.
Meanwhile, Keely has returned to work part-time earlier than planned as the family continues to manage their mortgage, bills, childcare and medical expenses.
During Evan’s surgery and recovery, Keely will also move back in with her parents to help ease the financial pressure and provide support with Henry.
“Sadly you can’t pause a mortgage, bills , childcare needs and medical expenses,” said Hayley Herriot on behalf of the family.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has now been established to help ease some of the financial stress facing the young family as Evan undergoes surgery and begins the long road to recovery.
The fundraiser has so far raised more than $17,700 towards its $35,000 goal. The family is asking for support in whatever form people can offer, whether that is donating, sharing the fundraiser, providing goods or vouchers, or connecting them with organisations that may be able to assist.
“Nobody deserves to go through this, especially a young couple just trying to build a life for themselves and their baby boy.
“On behalf of Keely and Evan, thank you for reading.”
For more information and to donate, click here.
