Eva's dying wish: Support for sexual assault survivors

$30,835 of $50,000 goal

Given by 463 generous donors in around 10 months

Hi, I'm Eva. I'm 16 years old & dying of cancer. In the time I have left I'm asking for your help to end sexual violence & support survivors

Auckland

Hello! My name is Eva. I’m 16 years old, and have terminal cancer. My mission in life has always been to help people and getting cancer just made me want that even more.

I run a campaign called EvasWish that aims to provide a platform for young people to become successful activists and to teach them how to actively campaign for something they believe in. Our vision of success is this: to create a world where I feel safe leaving my loved ones without me being there to protect them.

The issue that is close to my heart is stopping sexual violence and supporting survivors.

When you know your days are numbered, it really makes it clear what matters to you. Sure, I could pin my hopes on meeting my favourite actress, or travelling the world.

But what I really want is to make a positive difference that will still be helping people’s lives after I am gone – to give more in life than that I have taken.

You might be wondering why someone so young is passionate about sexual violence. You wouldn’t think that such a serious issue is something that the average 16 year old even has to think about. But that’s just not true.

You see, I’ve seen first-hand just how destructive sexual violence is. It breaks my heart to have to tell you that most of my friends have been sexually assaulted.

There’s something you can do that would make a huge difference for sexual abuse survivors. You can donate to HELP today.

\When you've been sexually assaulted, you need long-term support to recover and heal. Our loved ones need trained counsellors to help our traumatised friends and family heal, recover, and reclaim their lives.

Will you make my wish for a safer NZ come true by donating to HELP today?

Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation's involvement (page creator)

HELP is there for literally thousands of children, teenagers, and women when they’re needed most. HELP caters for most of Auckland - that's nearly 1 million people. And they can't do it without people like you supporting them.

HELP’s counsellors attend emergency call-outs at all hours of the day. They’re there to hold your hand, tell you what to expect in the days and weeks to come, and support you as you go through medical examinations, police interviews, and through the court system. HELP also works hard every day to end sexual violence. With your help, one day our children won't have to live in fear.

But they don’t stop there. HELP’s team give you the time and space you need to heal. HELP specialises in sexual abuse trauma therapy – helping you rebuild your shattered life.

Please show me that there are people in NZ who care about lovely people like my friends. Who care about the 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys who are sexually abused. Who will do what it takes to end this epidemic.

With all my loves and hopes for a New Zealand that is safe for all of its children,

Eva

About us

HELP Auckland provides free support services to survivors of sexual abuse across the Auckland region. They include a 24/7 crisis line and face-to-face counselling for children and families, teenage and adult women. Our specialist services are well-integrated with police, medical and justice services. We specialise in helping clients with particularly high and complex needs, enabling them to heal from the trauma of sexual abuse. Survivors are more likely to suffer mental health issues such as depression, substance abuse or suicidal behaviour. Our client base ranges in age from three to 70 years. We also deliver an early childhood education programme called ‘We Can Keep Safe’ that teaches children and their parents about personal safety and staying safe from sexual abuse. Our youth therapy team engages with young women in secondary schools, providing counselling, information, and support. Our youth community development programme Dear Em encourages young women and enables them to support and empower each other. Overall, we provide individual and group therapy to approximately 350 clients per year. Our therapists provide up to 5,500 therapy sessions annually. Ultimately, we are working towards a society where relationships are based on co-operation and respect, and communities are safe from sexual abuse.

Latest update

Nearly There! 19 December 2016

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated!!! It means the world to me. Even though it doesn't look like it on the Give-a-little page we are very near the 50k goal as we get lots of donations privately. In fact we are only $1415 from the goal!

Thank you all so much and Merry Christmas,

Eva McGauley.

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