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Little Nala’s Cancer Fight: Support When It’s Needed Most

  • The latest from Ward 27B

      13 October 2026
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    Hi all, a wee update on our darling Nala.

    After surgery we had nearly three weeks at home to recharge. Between clinic visits and tests, Nala got to just be a kid: a fairies and pirates festival, lighting the Sky Tower gold, playcentre, giggly chases with Soraia, pancakes, and screaming “Up the Wahs” out the car window on the way to the Warriors’ last game!

    The big news: her oncologist confirmed a “complete response” to induction. No visible tumour, no disease on the MIBG scan or in her bone marrow, and normal urine markers. That puts her in the top 20% globally, a strong predictor of long-term survival. Huge hope! The cost is some high-frequency hearing loss from chemo, which may need managing at school.

    We’re now 2.5 weeks into the first of two transplant cycles: intense chemo, then her own stem cells returned. It’s been brutal, with mucositis (sore mouth, tummy and bottom, constant phlegm), a rash, and she’s very knocked around. The team are managing her pain and nausea well. We’re in isolation, and it’s tough on us too. But like the long wavy grass in We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, we can’t go over or under it. We have to go through it.

    All going well, we’re out in 1.5 weeks, then four weeks off before cycle two, ending just before Christmas: the summit of the hardest stage.

    She still springs back at times, hiding under the bed, giving nurses spicy directions, and doing song and dance shows for staff.

    Thanks for all your good vibes and support!

    Steve and Mil

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    • 14/10/2026 by April Phillips

      Our kids are the greatest motivator. For them, we can push ourselves further than we knew possible. That's what you're doing. It's so incredibly difficult, but you "have to go through it" to get to the other side. Wishing you continued strength, resilience, and lots more positive results. Big hugs.

  • Third time lucky, Nala's off to get the baddie out

      1 September 2026
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    Hi everyone,

    Tomorrow is the day. After two cancellations, once because Nala was unwell and once her white cell count sat below threshold, her surgery to remove the primary tumour is finally going ahead. And as Nala says, she's getting the baddie out.

    Getting here has taken patience, regrouping each time and waiting for her body to be ready. We're grateful she avoided the nasty winter bugs doing the rounds, which could have delayed things.

    We've used a photo of Nala at six months old for this update. Looking at her as a baby, so small and new, says everything we feel right now. All you want for them then is to protect, nurture and give the very best. That hasn't changed, and going into tomorrow it feels stronger than ever.

    Tomorrow, surgeons will remove the primary tumour, taking as much as they safely can. Friday's scan brought good news, the tumour has shrunk further, putting her in a better position going in.

    After surgery, a quick recovery hopefully, on to her bone marrow transplants, then rounds of immunotherapy, which is much easier on her body. Still a long stretch ahead, but these are the steps that get her through.

    Something unexpected too. We went on the radio after entering the draw to win a year mortgage free, and told them about Nala. They called us back to surprise us with an anonymous donation. People's kindness continues to move us.

    Thank you for staying with us, and for all your love, thoughts and donations.

    With love,

    Steve, Mil, Nala and Soraia

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  • Nala's tumour has shrunk by 80%

      11 August 2026
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    Wonderful news, Nala's tumour has shrunk by 80 per cent since her initial scan. There is still a long road ahead, with surgery followed by a stem cell transplant, but this is exactly the news we needed.

    The transplant will use Nala's own stem cells, collected earlier this year. After a further round of high dose chemotherapy, those cells will be given back to her, restarting her bone marrow. That stage means six weeks in isolation at Starship, with only limited visitors, while her immune system rebuilds.

    It comes after a tough stretch. Nala has just finished four weeks straight in hospital. After round 4, she picked up a chest infection, delaying surgery, so the team pressed on with round 5 of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, finished Friday. She was amped to get out on Monday.

    An enormous thank you to the Serbian community in Auckland, who fundraised for Nala, hosting the folklore group Avala, travelling from the USA. A message on screen read "Nala, we're sending you a big hug!!" What an extraordinary effort. The singing, dancing and well wishes were beautiful.

    Thank you to Katie, who ran an ultramarathon in Wellington for Nala, you're an inspiration!

    And thank you to Steve's dad, who organised The Big Friendly Concert in Wellington, bringing musicians together to fundraise for two girls with cancer, one in Christchurch and our own wee Nala.

    We are endlessly grateful to every one of you who continues to stand behind Nala and us.

    Love, Steve, Mil, Nala & Soraia

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    • 12/08/2026 by Helen

      Thinking of your family at this time.I can't even imagine what you are going through but I can see the love and support you are receiving,which I am sure will carry you all through.Wishing your gorgeous wee girl a full recovery

  • Round 4 done and dusted!

      16 July 2026
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    Nala has finished her fourth round of treatment and we could not be prouder of our brave girl. Next week she has a CT scan of the primary tumour, and we are so hopeful it has shrunk and responded well. If it has, the next step will be surgery to remove as much of it as possible.

    Steve has been in Wellington these last few weeks and the girls have missed him terribly. They are counting down the days to see their dad. The family support during this time has been what got us through, easing the load with Soraia while Nala and I stayed in for treatment.

    Just before round 4, Nala had special visitors come up from Wellington, which lifted her spirits immensely.

    A huge thank you to everyone who came to the fundraising concert put on by Nala's grandad, a true musical soul. A beautiful evening of oldies, every song dedicated to love and to Nala.

    Thank you all so much for your continued love and support. It carries us through every single day.

    With love,

    Mil, Steve, Nala and Soraia

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  • An update from Nala & her Family 💛

      22 June 2026
    Posted by: Bex Howie
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    Nala has completed her third round of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and we could not be more proud of her.

    She walked into round 3 in high spirits, saying hi to all her nurses and the kids in the ward. That is our cheeky Nala. We are thrilled to share that doctors are happy with her progress, which gives us so much hope.

    This round looked a little different. Last time she wanted to be up & moving, she spent most of her time sleeping. Her little body is working so hard, and rest is how she heals.

    Childhood cancer makes kids grow up fast. Nala has been asking big questions about being sick, missing daycare, and what her medicine does. We do our best to answer honestly while surrounding her with so much love.

    As we head into the next phase, she will have a scan to see how the primary tumour has responded to treatment. We are hopeful and will share more.

    Soraia continues to be an absolute champion. Watching the two of them together is pure joy. When Nala is in hospital, Soraia walks around the house asking for her. It melts our hearts.

    The love and support coming her way keeps us going. Every bit of time, energy and generosity means so much to our family.

    A huge thank you to AoKids, Katie, Dusko, Lorna, Rick, and everyone who has helped, fundraised, opened their homes, or simply checked in. Your kindness has carried us through some very hard days.

    If you can share this page with your networks, it is one of the most powerful things you can do for Nala right now. 💛

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  • A quick update on Nala's progress as she completes her second round of chemotherapy.

      31 May 2026
    Posted by: Bex Howie
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    Hi Everyone,

    There have been bumps along the way, but true to her name, Nala is facing this with the strength of a lioness.

    Next week, her stem cells will be harvested and later re-transplanted in two procedures to help her blood and immune systems recover. We expect hospital stays of around 2–2.5 weeks either side of treatment.

    Nala was the first child in NZ randomised into a global clinical trial combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy from the outset. Encouragingly, the two genetic markers linked to more aggressive neuroblastoma were absent or favourable. Testing also confirmed her cancer is not inherited, meaning Soraia carries no increased risk.

    Soraia has settled into Auckland and started daycare. We're staying with Mil's mum, managing hospital stays on a two nights on/two nights off rotation, and finding moments of normality where we can.

    The road ahead spans years, not months. With Mil's work finishing in October, we need to plan carefully, and if Nala relapses, treatment may require travel overseas. Here's how you can help:

    * Donate — every contribution helps

    * Share this page — the most impactful thing you can do

    * Fundraising ideas or business connections are always welcome

    * Food and petrol vouchers are gratefully received

    * Spend time with Nala and help her feel like a kid

    We've raised nearly $44,000, a figure that humbles us every day.

    Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

    With love,

    Steve, Mil, Nala & Soraia

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  • An update from Steve & Mil

      1 May 2026
    Posted by: Bex Howie
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    What an intense few weeks it has been. From the moment doctors gave us Nala’s devastating diagnosis, to packing up and relocating to Auckland, to walking through the doors of Starship Children’s Hospital, it has all felt surreal and we’re still in a spin. In such a short time, we’ve faced more than we ever thought possible, including sadness, fear, confusion and overwhelm. There’s been constant information and many decisions to make quickly. Although we’ve had plenty of support, it can still feel like a lonely path at times, yet we are doing everything we can to stay strong for Nala and ourselves, with moments of light in amongst the storm.

    Nala’s diagnosis means a long and complex road ahead. Her treatment includes chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy. It’s overwhelming, but we’re taking it one step at a time as we adjust to our new normal in Auckland. Soraia is with Nana and Grandad and will join us when the time is right.

    April 29 marked Nala’s first day of chemotherapy. It may seem like a small step, but getting here took many big ones, and starting treatment has brought a sense of hope. Nala is taking things in her stride and showing incredible strength.

    In the coming weeks, we will learn whether she has been selected for a randomised study, which could help shape future treatment for other children facing this rare cancer.

    Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Your kindness has meant so much.

    With gratitude,

    Steve and Mil

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    • 01/05/2026 by Sarah

      Thinking of you all. No family should have to face this. It’s a tough road, but Nala’s strength is already shining through. We’re behind you every step of the way, sending steady support and a lot of care. 💛