Our dearest Mary is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. On January 6th, Mary was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

$97,952 donated
Given by 830 generous donors in around 4 months

Help Mary access life saving treatment and precious time with her children

Nationwide

Mary is a devoted mum to three beautiful children, aged 6, 9 and 11. She is the kind of mum, wife and friend (and veterinarian) who makes everyone feel deeply loved, always putting others first.

The brain tumour is large, located in a critical area of her brain, and there are multiple tumours already. We are awaiting biopsy results, everything has happened very fast and the shock is still settling in. Time is critical.

We are urgently trying to raise funds to give Mary every possible option in her fight, including access to specialised unfunded treatments and clinical trials in New Zealand and overseas. We are hopeful that Mary may be able to travel to Berlin if this becomes an option. These opportunities are time sensitive and costly, and not available through the public health system.

Mary’s wishes are heartbreakingly simple. To spend as many nights as possible cuddling her babies, to feel the water on her skin, to breathe in the sea air, and to soak up every moment of love.

This is incredibly difficult for Mary to process. We know many of you will want to reach out to her. At this stage, it is simply too much for Mary to manage, so we kindly ask that her wishes to not be contacted directly are respected. Please message Hayden or myself, or leave a message here.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real and immediate difference. Your kindness will help give Mary options, time, and security for her children. Thank you for your love, generosity and support.

Kylie Lawson's involvement (page creator)

Mary is my best friend of 20 years and the most caring special person who would do anything for anyone, stranger, friend, family or animal.

Use of funds

If treatment options are not viable, money raised will go directly towards Hayden and Mary’s three children, allowing him to step away from work to be by Mary’s side, and help cover urgent travel, living and accommodation costs for any treatment. I will update you as we know more and navigate through this journey.

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Latest update

Your donations are being used for a new treatment for Mary ❤️  19 April 2026

A little update on Mary ❤️

Firstly, your support is already being put to work and we honestly can’t thank you enough.

Mary has just come through a really intense round of private radiation and chemo and handled it like the absolute girl boss she is. It hasn’t been easy, she’s also had two pretty wild hospital stays including another tough brain surgery, but she keeps showing up with so much strength.

The good news is she’s home at the moment and still feeling positive, just very tired. She’s just started a fortnightly IV chemo infusion at around $86k, which is only possible because of all of you!

We’re also really excited to share that she’s been accepted into an experimental treatment in Germany at around $100k. There are still a few unknowns, like whether long haul travel is ok and how it fits with what she’s doing now, but it feels like another bit of hope on the horizon.

Thank you for being part of this with us. It means more than we can say ❤️ Any donation is another ray of hope ☀️⛅️☀️ I will be setting up a meal train soon to help Hayden, Mary and the kids xox

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Latest donations

Faith
Faith on 27 Apr 2026
Kia kaha
$50
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 20 Apr 2026
Private
Emily
Emily on 20 Apr 2026
Sending strength and aroha to you all xxxx
Private
Amanda
Amanda on 20 Apr 2026
Good to hear your treatment has started and the German trial is a possibility. Hang in there with your positivity.
Private
Jean & Mike
Jean & Mike on 18 Apr 2026
Mary and Hayden, this is so devastating to read, if anyone is strong enough to fight it though, it's you. Kia kaha, all our love!
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Who's involved?

Kylie Lawson's avatar
Created by Kylie Lawson
Hayden Walker's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Hayden Walker on behalf of Mary Valintine
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This campaign started on 9 Jan 2026 and ended on 1 May 2026.