Please help me tick off my bucket list.

My name is Mariah Nicholson. I am 60 years young. I have 4 wonderful children, 14 gorgeous grandchildren and two beautiful great grandchildren.

Twenty months ago I was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus. The cancer had spread to my lymph nodes so the lifesaving operation is not available to me. At the time of my diagnosis, I was working in my dream job as a counsellor with families, parents & children. I gave up my job to begin undertaking several rounds of chemotherapy and two rounds of radiation treatment. I cannot have any more chemotherapy and I have one more radiation treatment available to me when the symptoms come back. I have been symptom free and feeling well for 7 months and counting. My specialist hopes it will be many more months before I need the last round of radiation. My hope is to continue extending my life through special dietary requirements and vitamin C treatment.

I am grateful for the support I receive through being on a benefit. I have managed to make ends meet and ticking off some of my bucket list by supplementing the benefit with my kiwi saver however this has now run out.

My bucket list:

Spend as much time as I can with my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Making memories with my family on summer holidays camping etc.

I would love to visit Norfolk Island one more time. This island is my special place in the world, it’s like going home.

Whale and dolphin watching.

I have always wanted to see the Aurora Australis. I understand this is difficult to do unless you have time and patience and are in the right place at the right time.

If I could I would love to go to Canada or USA and visit/live with the First Nation people. I think this is more a pipe dream.

I am asking for/thanking you for your generous support to help me in my quest to beat this cancer, regain my health, extend my life and tick of some of my bucket list. Please kindly contribute any amount, small or large and help me on my quest.