The Gold Coast community is rallying around the family of a new mother who died when an ear infection caused catastrophic brain damage.
When an eight-month pregnant Imogen Petrak was taken to hospital on July 14 with symptoms of an ear infection her family could not have known they would never see her again.
The suspected meningococcal infection spread to her brain, causing severe swelling.
Ms Petrak was taken for an emergency C-section and gave birth to daughter Eleanor, four weeks premature.
Hours later she suffered catastrophic brain damage and died.
Renee King is a member of the family's church and runs the playgroup the family's 17-month-old child JB Petrak attends.
Ms King has set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money for John Petrak and his two small children.
"Being a mother, just when this happened, it just undid me, I just needed to do something," she said.
"This was the only thing that I could think to do in this time."
Ms King hopes to raise enough to cover the funeral costs and to help the family cope until they can get back on their feet.
She said Mr Petrak was initially hesitant to accept the money, but has become grateful for the support.
"He's just so floored and so touched," Ms King said.
The fund has so far raised around $90,000.
