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Help Maximus get the treatment he needs.

  • Celebration of Maximus's Life

      11 June 2025
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    Dear friends,

    Maximus went to be with his Father in Heaven on Monday 9th of June, in the afternoon. He was at home with his family.

    Thank you for your incredible support, prayer, generosity, and love to Maximus, and to his beautiful family, Chris, Lisa, Matthias & Summer, and grandparents, Erica, Ken & Eileen.

    A celebration of his life will be held this Saturday, 14th June, 2 pm at Bethlehem College PAC. Details are on the invitation attached.

    Much love to you all.

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  • April 22nd

      22 April 2025

    Since the last update, Maximus has spent a couple of nights in Tauranga Hospital (two weeks ago) and was admitted again this morning. Please continue to pray for a miracle, and for God's presence to be with Maximus & all his family.

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  • An update about Maximus

      1 April 2025

    Hi everyone,

    A couple of weeks ago, Maximus had his scheduled three-monthly MRI, which showed new tumor growth. A follow-up MRI last week confirmed continued progression. Please continue to lift up Maximus in prayer for full remission from this cancer, and also pray for Lisa and Chris, that they may have wisdom and grace.

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    • 01/04/2025 by Claire

      Hi our daughter is in Max class this year I just wanted to let you know that we are praying and thinking of your family at this extremely

      difficult time.

  • Speech for Maximus - The Kaha, Mana, Toa Cup

      2 February 2025
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    "His faith journey this year has been marked by moments where uncertainty called for trust, and from physical challenges, grew grit and resilience. Maximus found strength in his faith, his family, his friends, his community, and his unwavering courage. As he returned to school after a long period of treatment, it became clear that not only had he survived but he had grown in many ways. Embracing the support of his peers and mentors, he has become a living example of Christian character, showing kindness, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose in every interaction. His resilience is evident, and his presence is a beacon of hope for those around him.

    Maximus has been nothing short of inspiring to those around him. With each step forward, he has carried himself with dignity and determination, while maintaining his love of life and his special sense of humour. His journey has not only reshaped his own life but has also impacted everyone he encounters. his story encourages others to live boldly, walk with faith, and embrace the strength that comes from community and courage. Maximus has become a symbol of perseverance and a reminder that, through faith, hope, and strength, anything is possible through the love of God.

    Maximus, today we celebrate you and award you the Kaha, Mana, Toa Cup for your courage, bravery, and victorious nature. Congratulations!"

    (please see attached for full speech)

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  • Thankful

      2 February 2025
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    2024 came to a very special close. Maximus made the heartfelt decision to be baptized, surrounded by his friends, family, and even his teacher. It was a meaningful moment that marked the beginning of a wonderful new chapter in his life.

    That same week, Bethlehem College held its end-of-year awards ceremony, where Maximus was honored with the Kaha, Mana, Toa Cup. The words shared during his award presentation, which you can read below, brought many to tears and were met with a standing ovation. The love in the room was overwhelming and the support from his school community has been truly humbling.

    On December 2nd, Maximus had another MRI, and once again, the results were clear—no residual or recurrent enhancement. This is his second consecutive clear scan!

    Tomorrow, our courageous son turns 14. Despite all he’s faced in his young years and the scars he carries, he is joyful, hopeful, and eager to begin school the next day. We are deeply grateful for your love, faith and prayers. Thank you, and God bless you.

    Lisa & Chris

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  • Concert Fundraiser for Maximus

      11 September 2024

    Dear friends and family,

    A fundraiser is organised for Maximus. The event is on Sunday the 13th of October - 3pm-7:30pm

    Tickets to the event are through: https://totarastreet.co.nz/ - (October 13th). It is a supervised event - under 18yrs need to be accompanied by a guardian. Come one and all.

    There will be a silent auction also. Please come along, enjoy some local & school music, some good food and support Maximus on his road to recovery.

    https://totara.flicket.co.nz/events/21afb8d1-a4ae-43db-97fd-11d7a529ab57?fbclid=IwY2xjawFMou9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSalD3UpU-97izc0KPYrQd8ZuAgXhLyaWLTtfSfHSXheKZEvPcU2GvHUTg_aem_ftaHj17jGiYphr5vkgKB1Q

    Regards

    Wayne Lambert

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  • UPDATE From Lisa

      19 August 2024
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    On Wednesday 14th August, we flew to Adelaide to meet the team behind the Australian Clinical Trial, where Maximus is the only participant from New Zealand. As mentioned previously, the trial involves an autologous cancer vaccine created from Maximus’s own tumour tissue, which was sent from Madrid during his surgery in March. Although the trial is still in its early stages, it has shown remarkable results in other patients.

    After months of Trans-Tasman coordination, Maximus received his first dose here in Adelaide on Friday. He’ll continue the treatment back in New Zealand, with the support of a wonderful team there. Staying with family in South Australia has also given Maximus the chance to spend quality time with his cousins, which has been truly special.

    Even more good news: Maximus had an MRI on August 6th, which showed no evidence of residual or recurrent disease.

    Thank you for being by our side through this journey. We are truly grateful for your prayers, support, and continued encouragement. We’ll be catching a flight home tomorrow.

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  • Update - June 30th

      30 June 2024
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    Hi everyone,

    This coming week will be Maximus's 6th week of radiation treatment at Starship Hospital. He's been staying at Ronald McDonald house with Summer and either Chris or Lisa. He's holding up well under the circumstances and still has his cheeky smile and happy heart - especially when Summer is around.

    The main reason for this update is to let you all know - as most of you are friends and relatives of the family - that on Monday 1st of July, Maximus's younger brother Mathias will be having a significant spinal surgery.

    After years of Chris and Lisa questioning his lack of neck rotation to Doctors, a new doctor- sensing it was more than muscular - ordered an x-ray for Matthias. It was then discovered that Matthias' spinal cord is currently at risk of being injured because of the way his neck bones have formed. Chris and Lisa met with a spinal surgeon, Dr Peter Heppner, at Starship, and this surgery was scheduled.

    He will have an Occipital Cervical Fusion which will stabilise the junction between the occipital bone and the cervical spine. The main objective of this fusion is to prevent an unstable joint from causing injury to the crucial brain structures at the base of the skull or the spinal cord.

    He will be in hospital for a minimum of 7 days, then there's significant recovery time at home.

    Please keep Matthias and the whole family in your prayers this week, and we'll post an update on this page after the surgery on Monday.

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  • Six weeks at Starship

      29 May 2024

    Hi Everyone,

    On Monday the family moved into Ronald McDonald house in Auckland so that Maximus could begin a 6-week course of radiation therapy.

    Other treatments, such as the immunotherapy drug that Lisa mentioned in her last update, are still pending and Chris and Lisa, with the support of several oncologists, both in NZ and overseas, are considering all options carefully. There are several overseas clinical trials that Maximus may be eligible for and those conversations will happen over the next month as they consider the post-radiation plan.

    Maximus is doing well in himself - surrounded by his family all the time and playing Minecraft online with his friends (my sons) from Wellington. This morning I heard my oldest son ask him, how are you today? And he said 'good' - when I know he's already had one dose of radio at 7:30 am and 90 minutes in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber! He is amazing - I've hardly ever heard him complain. Well, maybe just about the ani-inflammatory diet that Lisa's worked so hard to keep him on... but even then, he's pretty great.

    That's it really - they will be up in Auckland for 6 weeks (with the ability to go home on the weekends), so prayers for the effectiveness of the radio (and any chemo) and protection over his healthy cells would be deeply appreciated. If there are any new developments, I'll update on here. Thank you so much.

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  • May part one

      7 May 2024
    Posted by: Lisa & Christopher Mathews

    Hi everyone

    Last Wednesday we flew back to NZ, after Maximus completed therapy in Sydney the day prior. He is stronger and walking more confidently which is encouraging. However, he's still disheartened by the lack of movement in his left hand, which simply makes life tough. Every day we do a range of exercises to build his strength, flexibility and keep his body supple. He also gets regular massages from his lovely Amah, Erica who is a trained massage therapist.

    This morning, Chis and Maximus drove back up to Auckland for two appointments at Starship Hospital. After a Planning MRI tomorrow, they'll return home. The results from this MRI will hopefully make the road ahead clearer, yet again.

    Thankfully, Maximus is signed up to participate in an Australian Clinical Trial due set to begin at the end of May/ early June. We read that a complex problem (like Radiation Induced Glioblastoma) requires a complex answer. Therefore, we see this trial, which uses Maximus's own tissue to create an immune response as playing a key part in striking this complexity.

    Thank you for your support and prayers which will never be taken for granted. Most of the time we are short on words, but please know how much your kindness means to us. We will update you all again as soon as the days become more definitive.

    We'll leave you with the meaning of Maximus' full name.

    Maximus - The greatest.

    Nikolaj - Victory of the People

    Mathews - Gift of God

    With love,

    Chris and Lisa

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  • Sydney - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

      17 April 2024
    Posted by: Lisa & Christopher Mathews

    It's been another big week leaving us little time to come up for air, yet such is life on uncharted journeys.

    Chris's father, Ken, once again kindly drove us to Auckland as we prepare to depart for Sydney early tomorrow morning. We're seizing this window of time before Maximus undergoes further treatment in NZ. On Friday, he'll have another MRI, then begin non-invasive brain stimulation aiming to enhance his mobility on Monday the 23rd. This transcranial magnetic therapy will be for a week and a half.

    Since it's the school holidays, we've decided to bring along Maximus's brother, Matthias. He's packed his running shoes as we've booked an Airbnb 25 minutes away from the clinic. Sadly, we've left our darling daughter at home again in the care of Eileen, Lisa's mum. We're going to miss her terribly however, her vocabulary skyrocketed while we were in Spain, so no doubt we'll return to another pleasant surprise.

    Thank you for walking along side us. We're doing the very best we can to come against this diagnosis from all sides.

    Much love to you all,

    Chris and Lisa

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  • Update from Lisa & Chris

      11 April 2024

    Home safe and sound as of Saturday afternoon. Life now consists of hefty research once again, ketogenic meals (cancer loves sugar among other things), and looking after Maximus' individual needs as well as our other two children.

    Today we had a meeting at Tauranga Hospital giving them a progress report and engaging with their services. We have a few more important calls scheduled as well as another MRI on the horizon. Biopsy results taken in Spain are still pending. Once again we are very focused on choosing the correct course of treatment for Maximus to receive next, seeing there are different approaches to consider. Therefore your prayers for wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

    Maximus continues to get stronger every day alongside his increasing mobility. He's putting in the hard work while we attempt to encourage him with stories of perseverance. We're endeavoring to build him up in every way we know how as we trust God to guide us forward.

    We thank you again for your generosity towards our family. We can't help but repeat this journey is very humbling. Your love and actions have made a world of difference and continue to encourage us immensely.

    With love and blessings,

    Chris and Lisa

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  • A message from Chris and Lisa

      29 March 2024

    How do we even begin to express our gratitude towards you all? We have been wholeheartedly, humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity and love that has been poured out towards Maximus and our family. Every kind word has built us up and your giving has not only lightened the financial load tremendously but has brought a formidable, communal solidarity into play. For this, our hearts are forever grateful.

    Maximus is now 10 days post surgery and is going well. He continues to improve his mobility with every passing day and has a happy heart. We've been known to say over the years that God must have given Maximus an extra dose of joy because he's one happy lad considering all he has endured in the course of his young years.

    The journey is not over just yet. Before returning to NZ on the 5th of April and reuniting with our two other precious children we still have a handful of hospital appointments in Madrid. From here we will receive further results and get guidance towards the next step in treatment.

    Once again, we thank each and every one of you. Your love and support has moved us deeply.

    Blessings and happy Easter to you all.

    Chris and Lisa

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  • Maximus is out of hospital

      24 March 2024
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    I'm happy to say that Maximus is out of hospital, and able to stay with Mum & Dad at a local airbnb for the next part of their stay in Madrid. He's had some rough nights with headaches as they adjust the pain relief, but he's doing well.

    I can't believe how much money has been raised for Maximus' care - 335 individuals and families have contributed. You are all just so kind. I know Chris and Lisa are just blown away, and they plan to respond to you all when things settle down a bit. But for now, just thank you, thank you.

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  • Chris arrived safely

      23 March 2024
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    Chris (Dad) arrived safely in Madrid last night, so it's wonderful that Maximus has both Mum and Dad beside him now. He's improving every day.

    Thank you all for the incredible help that is still pouring in. So grateful!

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  • Quick Update

      21 March 2024

    Maximus had his post-op MRI scan this morning, and it could not have gone better.

    Thank you for your prayers and support!!!

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    • 21/03/2024 by Barbara

      Oh my gosh so thrilled for you all. Big hugs

  • It went well!

      20 March 2024

    Really happy to pass on to you all that the surgery this morning went well. It took longer than expected, at 6 hours, but the surgeons were very happy afterward. Maxmus is recovering well, and will have a follow up MRI tomorrow. Lisa will be staying in the hospital with him for the next couple of days. Chris flies out from NZ tomorrow. Again, from the whole extended Mathews family and Lisa's family too, thank you for all the support, prayers and love you are all continuing to give them. Maximus is so blessed to have you on his team!

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  • Update two

      18 March 2024
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    Hi all. A huge thanks for your amazing, ongoing, unrelenting giving. 272 people have given to this page, and it's just been incredible to see the amount grow by the hour. Lisa and Chris deeply appreciate your generosity and want to extend their deepest thank yous.

    Lisa and Maximus moved into a new AirBnb today which is in the heart of Madrid, only 7 minutes from the hospital. After two days of hospital appointments, they had a couple of days off, and saw a bit of the local area. Maximus is doing really well, resting when he needs to, and enjoying his time with Mum, and in a new country.

    The surgery will be at 3am Wednesday morning, NZ time. For the many of you who pray, please take a moment before bed on Tuesday night to lift Maximus and the surgical team before the Lord.

    Again, thank you so much, and we'll keep in touch.

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    • 19/03/2024 by Barbara

      Thinking of you all and sending much love. Kia Kaha.

  • Safely in Madrid

      17 March 2024

    Hi everyone, just a quick update to keep you in the loop. Lisa (Mum) and Maximus arrived in Madrid last Thursday (NZ) time, and both slept well the first night there. They are staying currently with the family of Lisa's close friend (Abbey) who flew over from England to support them.

    Maximus has had a couple of days of pre-operation appointments at the hospital, including a MRI yesterday. The weather is nice, and there is a park nearby - there is a bit of walking involved getting to and from the hospital, but Lisa says Maximus is doing really well with it all. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday 19th, local time. Chris (Dad) is heading over there on the 21st to be with them post-op.

    Thank you enormously for all your support. It's amazing. I know Chris and Lisa are blown away, and its making such a difference.

    I'll keep updating via this page over the next week.

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