Back to page

Help Arlo beat cancer

  • Because 5am is when I do my correspondence these days...

      29 August 2020
    Posted by: Isla MacDiarmid
    Main image

    Hello Dear Donors,

    I just wanted to fill you in on what we've been using your donations for thus far.

    Because of your generosity we were able to have a video consultation with a renowned salivary gland specialist based at the Mayo Cinic in Minnesota, Dr. Eric Moore. He assured us that the treatment plan Arlo is on matches the treatment he would recommend for Arlo, and this gave us great peace of mind.

    More recently we used this fund for genomic testing through a private company based overseas. The testing revealed several mutations in Arlo's genes and also concluded that immunotherapy would be unlikely to work for him. However our oncologist believes it gave a couple of clues as to future treatment paths we could pursue, and this has made us so hopeful and optimistic. These treatments aren't funded by Pharmac for Arlo's cancer, so we will be saving the rest of this fund to help us navigate that route. Thank you. Truly, thank you. If it weren't for each of you I imagine we'd be feeling quite hopeless facing the prospect of unfunded treatment right now.

    Arlo is on his second type of chemotherapy now and feels pretty good most of the time. Radiation and lymphodema really ravaged him a couple of months ago, so it's been a huge relief to see him looking and feeling more like himself. Throughout it all he's been the most hands on father and supportive husband we could hope for, as we've soothed Quill's colic and ridden our three-nager's emotional pendulum! I'm utterly in awe of him.

    Pleaee know your kindness is never far from our thoughts. If you'd like future updates on Arlo's journey please flick me an email with ARLO in the subject line to Isla.adamson@gmail.com, as I'm not sure how long I'll have access to this page for now that the fundraiser has ended.

    All our appreciation and love,

    Isla, Arlo, Indigo and Quill xxxx

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Dear Donors,

      30 May 2020

    Dear Donors,

    Arlo and I along with our extended family wish to thank you all from the bottoms of our hearts for the support you have given us. This fund has ballooned so far beyond what we could have imagined when Sam, Renee and Gen first broached the idea of setting it up. It is a testament not only to Arlo's character and how much he is truly loved, but also to the characters of each of you, whether you have reached out because you know us, because you care about someone who cares about us, or because you can relate to us.

    We are now officially a family of 4, having welcomed another daughter last week- spending time with baby Quill is an exceptional tonic for these tough times.

    Take care, dear friends.

    Love, Isla, Arlo, Indigo and Quill

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Thank you

      19 April 2020

    This means so much. Thank you for your support. We've raised the goal to $70,000.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Dear all -

      10 April 2020

    Dear All,

    We want to sincerely thank you all once again for the astonishing contributions you've made to our family. We're so grateful for every bit of support, every kind thought and offer that we've received.

    This is such an uncertain time for everyone, and it is never lost on us that you have thought of us when there is so much going on in the world. Thank you, it really does mean the world to us.

    Once we're out of lockdown we look forward to updating you on what treatment options this fund has allowed us to pursue.

    We would like to take this opportunity to again thank Sam, Genevieve and Renee- without whom none of this would have been possible. You guys are awesome- Thank you.

    All our love,

    Arlo, Isla and Indigo.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Thank you for what you have done for our family.

      27 March 2020

    Friends, family, friends of family, family of friends, and kindhearted strangers,

    An enormous and sincere thank you to each and every one of you from Arlo, Indigo, Baby and I. It continues to astound us that in such a tumultuous and uncertain time for your own whānau you have shown us such compassion. You have gifted us possibility, hope and the resolve to accept only a successful outcome in our battle against Arlo's cancer.

    Thank you for what you have done for our family.

    Love, and best wishes for your own good health,

    Isla.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Thank you

      22 March 2020

    This means so much. Your support, love and generosity is simply staggering.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Dear all -

      21 March 2020

    All of those who have shared this post,

    All of those who have sent their love and support,

    All of those who have donated to this page-

    Dear Sam, Renee & Genevieve,

    Dear all of you,

    I don’t think there is anything I can write which can truly convey how grateful I am for what you have done.

    I am a very quiet struggler. I do not ask for help.

    I am a terrible receiver. I genuinely cannot let a friend buy me lunch, or receive a birthday present without feeling -guilt? Embarrassment? -no.

    I am not sure how to describe the feeling. The closest I can come up with is Unworthy.

    I was very reluctant to grant permission to have the Give-a-Little page put online. I have been actively avoiding anything to do with it- purely out of my inability to, and stubbornness in, accepting help.

    When Isla told me how it was going today, I broke down.

    I am so thoroughly blown away by the response. I am utterly, totally overwhelmed. This is by far and away the kindest, the most generous gift you could have given me and my family.

    Thank you.

    Thank you just doesn’t cut it.

    It’s not just the money- it is the support. The offers of ongoing support that we have received are incredible, both in sheer quantity and in the level of the support they offer. This level of support means the world to us. It means the world to me because I know now how unable I will be to help Isla after each round of chemo, as treatment progresses, as illness progresses- and that has been a great weight.

    The gift you have given me is simply beyond measure. It has left me reeling, elated and hopeful.

    You have, in your part, provided every opportunity I could have asked for to overcome this illness.

    But beyond this, you have provided for me certainty, that if I can’t, my family will be okay.

    There is nothing I can say, write or express to you that can convey how that feels.

    Thank you,

    You have truly made a difference and I will be forever indebted to you for that.

    Arlo

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 30/05/2020 by Sue

      Hi Arlo

      I am with you at being a terrible receiver and I am so stubborn at accepting help to the point of being bloody minded ,This last year has been different I too have cancer in my pancreas two rounds of chemo and 30 says I’d radio 45 kilos weight loss and I feel a million bucks

      I have no idea what the future holds but I intend to embrace every moment of every day.

      I wish you love ,peace ,successful treatment .and beautiful new memories .

      accept the help when it turns up it will be your turn soon to repay the favour

      A massive amount of positive vibes from Mornington Victoria

      Warm regards to your family

      Sue Dixon

      Never ever give up

  • Help Arlo beat cancer

      20 March 2020

    We are overwhelmed by the response. Thank you to everyone who has donated and shared this. It means the world to us.

    This campaign is for Arlo and Isla MacDiarmid and their family,

    Arlo was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Arlo works as a contractor and is the sole earner for his family. His wife Isla lives with Best Disease, a disorder that causes blindness. Arlo and Isla have a beautiful two-year-old daughter, Indigo, and are expecting their second child in May.

    For those of you who know Arlo then you understand he is quite simply a beautiful person – genuine, selfless and generous to a fault. Asking for support goes against Arlo and Isla’s very nature. They give so much to others and as much as they want to just deal with this themselves, especially with the world as it is and everyone facing their own challenges - it's not possible. We have to step up and help them through this terrible time.

    THEY NEED OUR SUPPORT.

    Arlo’s cancer is an aggressive and very rare form of Salivary Gland Cancer. The cancer is in both parotid glands, neck and armpit lymph nodes and chest. He has started 6 months of intensive chemotherapy and hormone therapy and will then be reviewed to see if these treatments have had an impact.

    The bottom line is that Arlo and Isla need our financial support to help cover the costs of essential (non-government funded) medical treatments and the costs of living while supporting two young children. Donations will be put towards supplements to support Arlo through the chemo, nutritious food, to cover sick days and keep a roof over their heads. Isla and Arlo are also looking at Intravenous Vitamin C treatments and immunotherapy which is given to chemo patients overseas but must be privately funded in New Zealand.

    We must do everything we can to help. So please – dig deep. SHARE THIS CAMPAIGN WITH YOUR CONTACTS. There is no amount you could give that is too small or too large.

    All donations will have an immeasurable impact on this family for the rest of their lives.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Wow

      20 March 2020

    Dear friends and allies,

    we are BLOWN AWAY by your generosity. Not even 24 hours and we are already halfway to our goal. Words can not express our gratitude.

    Please continue to share this campaign with your networks as that is the most powerful to get our campaign out there.

    Be safe and well,

    S

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment