Help Sam and his family fight cancer

8/9/2026 - Updated use of funds: Please see below.

Dear friends,

A few weeks ago, a routine scan brought heartbreaking and completely unexpected news for Sam, his fiancé Jaz, and their young daughter Athena. A large tumour was found on Sams liver, and a biopsy confirmed it to be cholangiocasinoma, a rare and very aggressive cancer. The shock has been immense, and the past few weeks have been incredibly tough for their whānau.

Because Sam’s cancer is so aggressive and fast-moving, waiting for treatment through the public system was not an option, despite Cisplatin and Gemcitabine being funded. To give him the best possible chance, treatment needed to start immediately. While Sam has health insurance, it only covers part of the cost, leaving their family with large medical expenses.

The unfortunate reality for many people facing cancer is that access to treatment options often depends on financial resources and for Sam, this may include unfunded biomarker testing to help identify more targeted treatment options.

Ongoing chemotherapy and a major surgery later this year have also significantly reduced Sam’s ability to work, putting huge financial strain on their family at a time when Sam’s focus should be on recovering and enjoying his family.

Sam is a formidably loved son, grandson, brother, friend, partner and father. We thank you deeply for your support and generosity. If you cannot donate at this time we would be so greatful if you could help share this page far and wide!