Brain tumor alterations

$350 of $32,000 goal
Given by 6 generous donors in 8 weeks

Deck and steps safety upgrade for brain tumor sufferer, plus help with treatment costs.

Papamoa Beach, Papamoa

At the end of February 2025, our lives changed when John was diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumor. Since then, he has lost the left side of his visual field and is unsteady on his feet, making everyday movement risky, especially on our aging front deck and steps. Even stepping outside with a cup of tea risks a fall.

John is unable to work while undergoing treatment, and some of his care is no longer publicly funded, in his case IVC. Insurance has helped, but there are still large costs we are trying to manage. To keep him safe at home, we urgently need to rebuild and upgrade the deck and install a ramp to the footpath. Due to the age of the timber, much of it must be replaced, and the quote came to $32,000.

A charity has kindly offered $5,000, and we are seeking support to help cover the remainder. Any donation, big or small, will help make John’s home safer and allow more of our resources to go toward his ongoing treatment.

John and I have been married for 40 years, and he has always been someone who would help anyone without hesitation. Now we are hoping for some help back.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading, sharing, or donating. Your support truly means the world to us,

If you can’t donate, please help by sharing.

— Karen Holbrook

Karen Holbrook's involvement (page creator)

John and I have been married for 40 years.

Use of funds

The front deck and steps upgrade is the top priority, anything over goes towards his treatments.

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Latest donations

Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 11 Jan 2026
$200
Graeme Cook
Graeme Cook on 07 Jan 2026
So sorry to hear about your condition John. I can relate to how your situation is life altering as I have a rare autoimmune disease thats weakened every muscle in my body. Veronica too created a givealittle page for stemcell treatment ( https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-graeme-with-his-IBM-treatment ) which raised some money to go towards the cost of stem cell treatment. The treatment helped lower inflammation levels to where they are today so Im believing that you will get some donations as well to get what is needed for you to make your life better. Hang in there, God is with you, he is our stronghold and our fortress who we shall not fear. He is our healer and nothing is impossible for Him when we play our part in believing in faith.
$50
Julie
Julie on 15 Dec 2025
$20
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 15 Dec 2025
$20
Karen
Karen on 08 Dec 2025
$10

Who's involved?

Karen Holbrook's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Karen Holbrook on behalf of John Holbrook
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This campaign started on 6 Dec 2025 and ended on 31 Jan 2026.