From Back Pain to Terminal Breast Cancer!

Carolin’s Story and Why We’re Buzzing for Her

In July 2024, the Wills family’s world changed overnight when Carolin experienced what appeared to be everyday back pain. One afternoon, that pain grew unbearable. She was crawling across the floor when Mark called an ambulance. An X-ray revealed her spine had fractured. After being urgently airlifted to Dunedin hospital, Carolin and her husband Mark heard the words no young family wants to ever hear:

“I’m sorry — you have breast cancer, and it’s terminal.”

Doctors soon discovered the breast cancer had metastasized, spreading throughout her ribs, pelvis, liver and beyond. Her bones were left so fragile that her lower spine eventually collapsed. The news was devastating, especially as Carolin is a mum to two young children, aged just 4 and 6.

True to her nature, Carolin fought back. In 2025 she focused on clean eating, rebuilding her strength, and staying present for her family. Then came another blow. The cancer had spread to her skull and lungs. Doctors said she might have a year.

Carolin refused to accept that. She wants time — real time — to make memories with her husband and her children, and she is fighting for every moment.

She has now begun chemotherapy and she will lose her hair, but she doesn’t have to face that alone. With her blessing, I’m shaving my head and donating my hair, while raising funds to help the Wills family cover costs and focus on making memories together.

Team Buzz Cut — for Carolin, for love, for memories.