Help 7-Year-Old Kaia Travel to Switzerland for Vital Cancer Treatment

***Change of Circumstances: Please refer to the updated use of funds and recent updates***

Seven-year-old Kaia has been diagnosed with Diffuse Infiltrating Retinoblastoma, a very rare and aggressive childhood eye cancer. It is so uncommon that most countries, including New Zealand, have limited experience treating it.

This diagnosis has changed Kaia’s life completely. Over recent months she has undergone repeated examinations under anaesthetic, intravitreal chemotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. Treatment has severely weakened her immune system, meaning she has had to stop school, sports and all her usual activities. She has lost the routines, friendships and confidence that once gave her stability, and the constant medical procedures have caused considerable anxiety. Despite this, she continues to face every challenge with courage, love and positivity.

The medical team in New Zealand has been exceptional. After extensive consultation with experts across New Zealand, Australia, the US and Europe, they have advised that the highest chance of achieving the best possible outcome for Kaia now lies with a specialised team in Switzerland. These world-leading specialists have reviewed her case and agreed to treat her personally. Their plan involves two rounds of highly specialised inter-arterial chemotherapy.

We are exploring every possible avenue of support, but the family will still face significant costs to access treatment overseas.