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Helping Kanan beat breast cancer!

$30,021 donated

Given by 435 generous donors in around 7 months

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Fundraising to support my best friend 🤍

Wellington

At just 25 years old, Kanan has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It's something you never expect to hear, especially so young. Kanan is a dedicated teacher, counsellor, dancer and friend, and I know she means a lot to many of us - now, she needs our help.

Her treatment plan is intense and will span the next year: six months of chemotherapy followed by six months of radiation, and if it all goes well, surgery to remove the tumor. The funds raised will go directly towards supporting treatment costs and living expenses, so she can focus on healing and recovery. Every dollar we raise will help ease the burden.

We know times are tough, but if you are able to contribute - whether it's a donation, sharing this page or sending your love and encouragement, it would mean the world to her.

🤍🤍🤍

Tina Dowdall's involvement (page creator)

Kanan is my best friend of 24 years.

Use of funds

The funds raised will go directly towards treatment costs and living expenses.

The treatment has not been decided yet and we will post a Page Update once this has been confirmed.

Latest update

Stage & treatment update 22 September 2025

Kia ora e te whānau,

Firstly, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support and awhi. It’s not just the donations – every share, message, and kind word has been so overwhelmingly amazing.

Last week, Kanan started her IVF journey. Her eggs will be taken out and frozen next week, giving her the option of having a family in the future if she chooses. After this, she will be put into perimenopause - this will hopefully stop the chemo from affecting her reproductive system.

Today, Kanan had her first oncology appointment, where we learned that her cancer is stage 2 and HER2 positive - an aggresive sub-type that can grow and spread at a much faster rate. While this isn't the stage 1 we were hoping for, we are grateful to have clarity and a clear plan forward.

Kanan starts chemotherapy on 6 October. Her doctors have also recommended an additional targeted chemotherapy treatment alongside her regular one to give her the best possible chance of beating this.

The hard part is that this treatment is unfunded and will cost around $35,000–$40,000. We are so appreciative of all the donations so far, but we still have a long way to go to make this treatment accessible for her. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming fundraising events – including a 24-hour dance-a-thon – details to come!

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On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More