Let’s make Mark’s Multiple Myeloma journey easier

$2,455 donated
Given by 28 generous donors in 11 weeks

Mark has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma a treatable but non curable blood cancer. Now it’s time for us to care for Mark

Whangarei, Northland

In December 2025 Mark had recurring back pain so went to his Doctor who arranged blood tests. As a result of excess protein in his blood he was sent for an MRI and then a bone marrow biopsy. Two weeks later we received the news we were not expecting…that Mark at the age of 50 had multiple myeloma.

A week after diagnosis Mark was declared medically unfit for work and although an active gym goer was told no more lifting weights due to lesions on his neck and spine and risk of fractures and complications from this.

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells in the bone marrow—the soft, spongy tissue at the center of your bones. Plasma cells are transformed into cancerous cells that grow out of control, crowding out the normal cells that help fight infection. These malignant plasma cells then produce an abnormal antibody called M protein. Too much in the blood and urine can damage the kidneys and other organs. Multiple myeloma also affects the structural integrity of your bones.

This form of cancer is treatable but not curable.

Life has changed. Despite his diagnosis Mark still keeps super positive and does what he can every day. He lights up any room with his positivity, genuine care for and interest in others and their needs.

Now it’s time for us to care for Mark

Weekly chemo is well underway with a stem cell transplant and 4-6 weeks in hospital in planning stages.

Mark has two teenage children, 13 and 15 years of age that he lives for, they are his world.

Debbie Waikato's involvement (page creator)

This brave, kind and caring man, with a heart of gold is my partner. We’ve got this Mark x

Use of funds

With no personal income now, medical insurance, allowances or benefits available to him

Donations will go towards living costs, travel and associated health costs as well as a few outings with the kids to make some new memories together.

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Latest update

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Stem Cell Harvest ✅  16 March 2026

Hi everyone

March is multiple myeloma action month and in a week or so the Canopy Bridge in Whangarei will be lit red to acknowledge this.

This month has definitely been an action for us too.

We’ve just got back from Auckland where Mark got his stem cell harvest done. He handled it all like the true champion he is. There are now 5.5 million stem cells ready for his upcoming transplant. A special shout out to NZ Blood Centre and Domain Lodge. Wow! Such awesome caring people, services and facilities. We met others having treatment, shared stories, encouraged each other and built connections.

We are now planning for his longer stay of 3-4 weeks in hospital hopefully in May and with the upcoming school holidays just around the corner are looking forward to some quality time and activities with the kids before his transplant.

Thanks again to you all

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Latest donations

Clint
Clint on 26 Mar 2026
Thinking about you Mark, your kids, and Debbie. Sending love and best wishes, Clint and Teeny xoxo
$100
Elizabeth
Elizabeth on 04 Mar 2026
Private
Kirsti
Kirsti on 20 Feb 2026
Sending you and your whanau all the awhi.
Private
Tui
Tui on 04 Feb 2026
Arohanui, Mark
Private
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 30 Jan 2026
$5
Mark McCullough

Thank you for your donation❤️ yesterday got my bloods back, everything looking really good 😁

Mark McCullough

Who's involved?

Debbie Waikato's avatar
Created by Debbie Waikato
Mark McCullough's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Mark McCullough
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This campaign started on 14 Jan 2026 and ends on 14 Jul 2026.