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💔Help Ava and her family through cancer💔

$4,516 of $40,000 goal
Given by 59 generous donors in 7 weeks

💔 Help Ava and Her Family Through the Unthinkable 💔 Cancer is destroying her and her family.

Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui

Ava Pimm is a beautiful 8-year-old girl with sparkling blue eyes and the kindest heart. Once shy and silent, Ava blossomed into a confident and happy child after discovering joy in kapa haka and the love of her school whānau.

But now, her world has turned upside down.

Earlier this year, Ava was diagnosed with stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma—a rare and aggressive cancer. Her treatments haven’t worked. She is now facing the amputation of her leg in an attempt to prolong her life, but the outlook is heartbreaking.

A Single Mum Doing Her Best

Ava’s mum, Laura, is a single mum of six children, including an autistic child, doing everything she can to care for Ava during this devastating time. With no local support, Laura has had to leave her younger children behind for weeks at a time while staying with Ava at Starship Hospital. The separation, stress, and financial strain have been overwhelming.

A family with limited resources would greatly appreciate financial relief to afford essentials such as food, warm clothing, transportation, and childcare. Also, the support with medical equipment to manage pain and daily life as her body weakens.

No Mother Should Do This Alone

Laura is doing everything she can, but she cannot do this alone. Please, consider donating, sharing, or simply sending love their way. Every little bit makes a difference.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Darnielle Chappell's involvement (page creator)

I first met Ava last year, a quiet and shy girl in my classroom, who soon found her voice and confidence. I have a soft spot for Ava and deep respect for her remarkable mother.

Use of funds

$2,000+ for winter clothing and bedding

$5,000 for mobility aids and equipment

$6,000 for childcare and respite

$8,000 for groceries, power, and essentials

$1,500 for autism support resources

$10,000 for funeral costs, travel, and memorial preparations

25/08 funds now also needed for a reliable vehicle

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Latest update

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Ava's updates   25 August 2025

💛 Ava’s Update 💛

Kia ora everyone,

We wanted to share a little update with you all. Our brave Ava has recently had her leg amputated. Despite everything, she continues to keep her spirits as high as she can, showing us all her incredible strength.

For Mum, Laura, it has been an incredibly stressful and emotional time—watching her daughter go through so much while also trying to manage care for her other children. On top of this, their family car has now broken down, which has made transport to hospital appointments extremely difficult. A reliable vehicle is urgently needed so Ava can safely get to her ongoing treatments. "This breaks my heart and it hurts thinking of all their struggles"

We’ve shared some beautiful photos of Ava, Laura, and their whānau. They want you to know how deeply grateful they are for all the aroha, support, and donations they’ve received so far. Every single contribution—big or small—makes a real difference in helping Ava and her family through this unthinkable journey.

Thank you all for standing with them. 💛

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Latest donations

Claudine
Claudine on 30 Aug 2025
Private
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 29 Aug 2025
$10
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 29 Aug 2025
$15
Courtney
Courtney on 28 Aug 2025
$20
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 27 Aug 2025
$10

Who's involved?

Laura Richardson's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Laura Richardson
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This campaign started on 7 Jul 2025 and ended on 30 Aug 2025.