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Brad’s Leukaemia Battle

  • Final Update

      17 March 2026
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    February was a hugely positive month for dad, with the results of his 100 day biopsy coming back completely clear of leukaemia! This is obviously great news and places him in “deep remission”, however it won’t be for another 5 years when he will be given the all clear.

    In February a dear friend and colleague hosted the “111 Run” where he ran 111 km in ballistic Police body armour as a fundraiser for dad and Blood Cancer New Zealand. He was supported by a large number of people who ran with him and Dad came down to the track where he intended on walking 1 or 2 laps depending on how he felt. He ended up doing 5 laps throughout the day, 3 of them in body armour himself!

    This is the best I have seen dad since October and as each day goes by he is getting better and stronger.

    This being the case and given that things are steady, I will be doing fewer updates about dad, however if anything major happens, I’ll let you know.

    Thank you all for your love and support during this time, you will never know what it means to us as a family.

    All our love,

    The Maxwells

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  • October Update

      28 November 2025
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    October was a monumental month for dad, with him receiving his stem cell transplant from their 21 year old American donor on the 17th of October

    The following couple of weeks were hard for the family as this was described as the most high risk time for dad where he might not make it.

    The month culminated in dad losing his hair as a side effect of the increase in chemo that was administered prior to the transplant.

    I decided I couldn’t let my mate go through that on his own, so I decided to join him…

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  • August Update

      15 September 2025
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    August was a bit of a roller coaster for our family. Dad’s body began showing signs of rejecting his current treatment, and he was scheduled for admission to hospital for several weeks of intensive chemotherapy. Thankfully, a last-minute blood test result showed he was stable enough to remain at home and continue with his current treatment plan.

    On a brighter note, a second stem cell donor has been found in America, and they’ve now started the process. With any luck, it’s only a matter of time before the stem cell transplant becomes a reality 🤞🏻

    We’re so grateful for all of your continued support.

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  • July Update

      4 August 2025
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    Dad has started the process of looking for a stem cell donor, which has included a number of tests to make sure he’s healthy enough to undergo the procedure. A potential match was found in Germany, but unfortunately, they haven’t responded — so the search continues.

    In the meantime, his 6th round of chemotherapy has been delayed due to his latest blood results showing that his body hasn’t bounced back enough from the last round.

    Mum and Dad did manager to venture out to "A Night At The Proms" a concert of top British tunes where they had a great time.

    Here’s hoping for a more positive August 🤞🏻

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  • June Update

      2 July 2025
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    June brought a mix of challenges and progress for Dad. An infection earlier in the month meant a few days in hospital and a delay to Round 5 of his chemotherapy.

    After thoughtful discussions with his medical team and careful consideration, Dad has made the decision to proceed with a stem cell transplant. Testing is now underway, and the search for a suitable donor has begun.

    We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from family and friends, it means the world to us as we navigate this next stage together.

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  • May Update

      3 June 2025
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    With Dad’s bloodwork back on track last month, his next round of chemo went ahead as planned.

    This battered Dad a fair bit after having a month off, leaving him bed ridden and lacking energy for large patches of May.

    This lack of energy didn’t prevent Dad from two speaking engagements however, one at the annual “Thanksgiving Service” for organ transplant recipients and one for ICU nursing students where he spoke to them about things from a patient’s perspective, allowing him to give back to those who have helped him so much.

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  • First update on Chemotherapy

      17 January 2025
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    Dad has had his first round of Chemo, and after 14 days in hospital is now home. There were a few complications and a bit of a stop start due to fevers and an infection, but after being given great care by the team at Middlemore Hospital OK.

    We've been boosted by the love and financial support shown already, but the battle is going to be hard and long with daily treatments and test for not only the Leukaemia but also ensuring his transplant organs are still healthy.

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