Become one of Irie's Angels 🩷

On April 4th 2025, Irie-Jade was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at just 3 years old.

In the days following, Irie-Jade was airlifted from Hastings hospital to Starship Children's hospital where she has been with her māmā ever since. She is currently on her first round of chemotherapy and doctors are saying to expect 2 years of this.

This shock diagnosis for our usually healthy little girl, has been an absolute rollercoaster already. The costs to manage being in hospital, plus still supporting Irie-Jade's brothers (aged 6 and 1) who are being cared for by Aunty Kasey, are adding up. We are so lucky to receive free treatment here in Aotearoa, but the toll it takes to live in a hospital, while trying to maintain a home and be separated from the rest of your whānau is huge, mentally, emotionally and financially.

Currently, Irie-Jade is confined to the 4 walls of her hospital room. She is unable to "walk the ward" or visit the playroom, due to such low immunity. Her visitors are limited - if she catches a cold, at best - she'll be in hospital a few more days. At worst - a simple cold could be life threatening.

The plan in the next few weeks (fingers crossed) is for Irie-Jade and her māmā to eventually be discharged from Starship, and move to the Ronald McDonald House in Auckland, where they will remain for around a month. They will then make trips to Starship, from Hastings for each round of chemotherapy.

Any awhi is greatly appreciated and humbly received.