Jemima's Wish

Would you consider leaving a link on this page to Dr Dun's work, and Jemima's Wish so that after donations close, people could still donate directly if they wanted to? I have loved reading the comments that show what a wonderful soul Jemima was here on earth - and your and her words are inspirational.

Hey Ray. I remember Jemima from kindy and Houghton Valley. She was so kind to my ADHD son, Conor, and often played with him when his "fullonness" stopped other kids playing with him. She laughed at his jokes and seemed very fond of him, she was genuinely a little, kind, caring Angel. I was so incredibly sad to hear of this, as was Conor, who remembers her vividly. Wishing you all so much love and please give Jemima a hug from Conor and I xxx

Hi Ray - will you and your family continue to be involved in the work of Dr Dun? I was weeping as I read of Jemima's "journey" in the paper and of her extraordinary fundraising skills - oh my goodness! As a family, you have clearly done everything in your power to walk this "journey" with Jemima, by accessing the best possible care etc. I worked for 6 years with people with Motor Neuron Disease, some of whom became very close friends, and with whose families I am still in touch. I continue to be supportive of the ALS Society (Canadian's call this disease ALS = amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and to follow and support the research, particularly that of the brilliant Michael J Strong, who is now head of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Dr Dun sounds like another Mike Strong - a researcher with a heart for this disease and for those who have it. It's clear that Jemima knows how lucky she is to have him in her corner. I do hope you keep in touch with Dr Dun - Jemima's legacy will be in the work she's funded through her selfless act. Bless you all - may this final walk with Jemima be filled with love and wonderful memories that will never fade. Many of us who have never met you are walking right beside you and praying for peace and a gentle passing for Jemima. x Sue

Hi, this is a comment instead of a question, I hope this is ok, would you guys please consider extending this fundraising for an extra 7 days please, it would be so lovely to see more money raised for this.

Hi Ray

This is not a question more a comment and hopefully a bit of support.

First off I understand the pain you and your family are going through and think that Jemima is a brave and courageous young lady, that deserves the earth. We recently lost our 20 year old son to a Diffuse Midline Glioma. He presented with chronic headaches and was admitted to Auckland hospital where the amazing surgeon tried to remove the tumor. As it was in the brain stem they told us it was terminal. He fought hard but died 8 weeks later. He was our 3rd child we have buried now but have the comfort of knowing Daniel is in heaven with his 2 sisters.

I hope and pray that you have as much time with Jemima as you can developing memories to keep forever. Our love and prayers go to you and your family and friends.

Claire Rush.

Hi Ray,

I think I know the road you are travelling. In 1991, our daughter Samantha was diagnosed with bone cancer. It had metastasised all thru her and was inoperable. Like you, we got to know Samantha in ways that otherwise might not have happened. I think these young people are amazing. I think what you and Jemima are doing with this wish is fabulous. Hugs to you all. And I hope Jemima is smiling hugely at the response to her wish. I know Samantha would be. Love Darryl

Hi Ray,

Thanks for your reply electronic I hope otherwise you will be up all night. The wonder act of selfless giving is inspirational. While many feel terribly sorry for me and beat the cancer drum. While I too have stage 4 inoperable metastic renal cancer to my bones. For me and I really hope many others who sure may disagree or not like what I say. Yet I am in my mid 50s and I have daughter Jemima's age and I for a nano second try to think how as parent you manage to endure this and also other close family members. I think how come I continue to get more years than was suggested by way of prognosis. While I may still be you in many people's eyes man I feel if we could swap positions do Jemima could get to mid 50's as I had a pretty good bat but 15 seriously. It's so ripped off and while we are in the far too large cancer club. Children or the young as while Jemima is only 15 with the maturity of older

young adults for sure. She certainly gives those who are feeling pity or sorry for themselves need to take a good look and be thankful that they are managing to live with cancer. Sure far from ideal yet Jemima is showing selflessness beyond her years and most adults I believe. Truly inspirational for me and I thank her for that and making tens of thousands of people hopefully thankful and aware of what they have got and how thankful she has been and is. A truly unique human and a privilege to cross paths no matter how sad this may appear I know she has a unique view and understanding apand if only we could all get a little scratch of DNA that could rub off on to us all in order that we may have the gift of her being which can only be special. Its made me reset and reflect. Please thank Jemima for that. Much aroha Tim. I do not seek a reply Ray as your work load may be never ending right now?

This was my very all over the place way of saying Thank You to Jemima with all my heart.

Hi Ray,

Im so sorry for what your going through, sounds like Jemima is so strong, you must be extremely proud of her.

This may be a bit of a random question but my daughter is almost 2 and she has what they think is a brain tumor in her cervical medullary and it is defuse also (not a sold mass). where abouts is Jemimas located in her brainstem?

We found my daughter Izzy's in February too but it was an accidental discovery. It is currently stable so we go in every 3 months for an MRI until it starts to grow. They tried to do a biopsy on it but it was unsuccessful so they haven't really been able to tell us much or maybe they just don't want to.

I am just interested in the location of the tumor and the fact that it is not a solid tumor, I would just like to know if it is similar.

Sorry for the novel.

kind regards,

Ashleigh