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A Life Lived Now

$6,965 donated
Given by 73 generous donors in around 6 months

No waiting for someday! Living boldly now with a grade 3 brain tumour - making memories and ticking off my bucket list one item at a time.

Milton, Otago

No waiting for someday!

On 7 October 2025, I was told I had a brain tumour. Thirteen days later, on 20 October, I had brain surgery. Then on 25 November, I was given the diagnosis: astrocytoma grade 3. Since then I’ve pushed through radiation and I’m now on a year of oral chemo. The truth is, no one can tell me for sure what comes next. With a high grade tumour-one that's typically considered incurable but still treatable, and brain cancer taking more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, I’ve decided I’m not waiting for outcomes before I start living.

I want to live now. Not “one day”, not “after treatment”, not “when things settle”. Now-while the present is still a gift.

This page is to help me create memories while I can: trips, adventures, and experiences that make me feel alive-a bucket list I actually get to tick off. Your support helps me fill my days with joy, connection, and memories that matter. More than anything, I want to use this time to create meaningful memories with my husband, my youngest sister who lives with us, and the people who mean the world to us.

I'll be sharing updates as I tick things off-so you'll get to come along for the ride too 🥳

Thank you for helping me live a life lived now!

P.S even if donating isn't possible right now, sharing this page would mean just as much 🥰

Use of funds

Money raised will help me enjoy a life lived now - through big and small bucket‑list experiences (such as traveling around the South Island, and getting a pet) as well as also easing some of the practical financial pressure during treatment

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Latest update

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Round 7, no regrowth, and everything good in between!  3 September 2026

I keep sitting down to write these updates and feeling the same thing every time: overwhelmed, in the best way, by how many of you are still cheering me on. Thank you for the donations, messages, and shares-it hasn't gone unnoticed or un-felt.

Where things are at: I start round 7 of chemo next week-over halfway there! I've also had two check-up MRIs (three-monthly, to monitor my brain), both showing no regrowth — the best news I could ask for. Day-to-day still has its ups and downs, as chemo leaves me jaded and fatigued, but I'm taking it one round at a time and making the most of the good days.

Something I haven't shared much: as a result of treatment, I'm unable to drive for at least another year. Between specialist appointments and MRIs, that's a lot of travel-and a portion of what's been contributed goes straight toward that, relieving so much pressure for Brendon and me. It's also covered classes and courses that help me feel more like myself again.

On the joyful side-we had the most beautiful time in the Catlins, thanks to a gorgeous local family who loaned us their holiday home. Walking tracks, waterfalls, and evenings by the fire-nothing beats it! We also visited a wig provider in Christchurch and I found one I love-it's done wonders for my confidence.

Next month, we're heading to Wellington for a week-catching up with friends, Te Papa, and Wētā Workshops. We can't wait!

Thank you again for walking this with me. I feel so lucky to have all of you in my corner. 🤍

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Latest donations

Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 05 Jun 2026
Private
Grace Stanton

to my anonymous donor-I don't have the words. Your generosity has deeply moved me and I'm so deeply grateful. Thankyou, from the bottom of my heart ❤️

Grace Stanton
Amanda
Amanda on 01 Jun 2026
Thinking of you 🥰
$100
Grace Stanton

Thankyou so much-means a lot 💛💛

Grace Stanton
Jess
Jess on 19 May 2026
Big love and hugs ❤️
$100
Grace Stanton

thankyou so much, Jess 💕

Grace Stanton
Tim & Megan
Tim & Megan on 17 May 2026
Lots of love Grace! Wishing you all the best :)
Private
Grace Stanton

Oh my goodness-you two! I don't even have the words. Thankyou so much, this is so kind and generous and it means even more coming from you. Lots of love right back, and I hope we get to catch up sometime soon!! 🥰🥰

Grace Stanton
chels
chels on 14 May 2026
໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১ ♡
$50
Grace Stanton

❤︎ ≽(•⩊ •マ≼ so appreciate you x

Grace Stanton

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Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Grace Stanton
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This campaign started on 28 Mar 2026 and ends on 2 Dec 2026.