Tim Fares thanks Wollongong for kindness during wife Emma's final illness
Emma Fares died of glioblastoma on September 26 after the community embraced her struggle.
Emma died from glioblastoma on September 26, 2026, battling the disease for nearly two years after a seizure in October 2024. Tim Fares says the Wollongong community wrapped around them throughout her illness, delivering meals, watching the boys, and simply showing up.
Emma and Tim moved to Wollongong in 2013 and became key members in Basketball Illawarra, where Tim now works. The community was struck by what she did off the court for others.
She connected newcomers and organized help for people in crisis. Every morning she reminded her sons to be kind.
Even during treatment, she made sure anyone she met left happier. Tim struggled to accept help.
He hated owing anyone. But Emma's belief in giving without keeping score changed his mind.
Tim remembers her words and repeats them over and over.
- October 25, 2024
- Diagnosis date
- September 26, 2026
- Death date
- Nearly two years
- Battle duration
- February 2013
- Moved to Wollongong
Why it mattersA reminder that community support through illness doesn't come from big gestures but from everyday kindness sustained over months.
AustraliaShows how Australian communities rally around people facing serious illness and how that support shapes both the sick and those around them.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
