Leet's Cancer Journey

$27,931 donated
Given by 100 generous donors in around 5 months

Leet's Cancer Journey

Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty

Dear friends and whānau of Melita,

After having her first routine mammogram at the end of last year, Melita was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and started chemo last week, which will last for 6 months, followed by a double mastectomy later in the year and hormone blocking treatment.

This news has come as a big surprise, as she has had no symptoms and remains her cheerful and energetic self, loving life as a busy mum to Malachi and Mila, a partner to her husband Chris, and a primary school teacher.

In addition to the love and prayers we know will be coming her way, we are also asking for financial support on her whānau's behalf to help lessen the burden of this year, with loss of earnings and medical costs for the unfunded cancer drug she is receiving.

If you feel able to contribute, thank you kindly; it will be a huge help to support Melita and Chris's year ahead and Melita's recovery from cancer.

Warmest wishes,

Lief and Jess

**A MESSAGE FROM LEETS:**

Who would have thought from a routine mammogram that all of this would transpire. But here we are. Cancer in the left breast, left lymph node and mammary gland – we are going to throw everything at it! I am doing okay and staying positive. All of us have journeys throughout life, and I have accepted that this is just a part of mine.

Thankfully, I have incredible friends and family who surround me. Big thank you all for sharing, caring, supporting and sending up some prayers for me during this time.

Love to you all

Leets xxx

Lief Pearson's involvement (page creator)

Besties xxxx

Use of funds

Paying bills and mortgage as a loss of Melita’s income and a reduction in Chris's income

Unfunded chemo drug (Pertuzumab $28,672, with additional care costs that may incur)

A cleaner to help with housework

Child care costs following surgery

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Latest update

Surgery day tomorrow  20 July 2026

Kia ora whānau,

Our darling Melita has her surgery tomorrow morning and will be in hospital for the next few days - any prayers, thoughts and aroha are welcome as her whānau embark on this next phase of her treatment journey.

For those who have asked, another practical way to support them would be fresh or frozen meal drop-offs, particularly over the next 2-4 weeks, while Melita recovers and Chris manages things on all fronts. Please touch base with Jess or me for their home address.

Melita and Chris are so grateful for the financial blessings that have come from this page. It is making such a big difference during this time.

Blessings to all,

Lief and Jess

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Latest donations

Haylee-Jane
Haylee-Jane 1 hour ago
Kia kaha e hoa 🫶🏾
$30
Isabel
Isabel 5 hours ago
Wishing you the best for your surgery and recovery Melita!
$30
Guest Donor
Guest Donor 5 hours ago
Private
Ann and John
Ann and John 8 hours ago
You and your family are in our prayers!
$341
Anna & Piero Liguori
Anna & Piero Liguori 16 hours ago
Praying for you lovely Melita, Sending all our love, Anna & Piero
Private

Who's involved?

Lief Pearson's avatar
Created by Lief Pearson
Melita Batten's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Melita Batten
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This campaign started on 2 Mar 2026 and ends on 24 Aug 2027.