Please Help Support the Peterson Whānau

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Supporting the Peterson Whānau while Tyson receives life-saving treatment at Starship Children’s Hospital

Hamilton, Waikato

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Our nephew Tyson just turned 6 years old. In March we were celebrating his birthday, and now our whānau is facing something we never imagined.

After suffering some serious seizures, he has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and is now in Starship Children’s Hospital receiving treatment.

His mum and dad, Sarah and Asher, have dropped everything to be by his side, along with his little sister Isla-Rose. They have been told they will likely need to stay in Auckland for at least a month, possibly longer, while surgeons work out the best way forward.

Like most young families, they rely on their income to get by. Being away from home for such a long time means they will have little to no income while trying to support their son through the biggest fight of his young life.

We are asking for a little awhi for this beautiful whānau during an incredibly hard time. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will help ease the financial pressure off travel, food, bills, and everyday expenses while they focus on what matters most - being together and supporting Tyson.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. Every share, message, prayer, and kind thought means so much.

Mā te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai tātau - Together we have strength.

Ka nui te aroha,

The Peterson and Apiti Whānau

Aotea Apiti's involvement (page creator)

I am Sarah's older sister / Tyson's auntie.

Use of funds

This money will help keep Tyson's whānau together while he undergoes treatment at Starship, covering travel, food, bills, and everyday costs while Sarah and Asher are unable to work.

Latest update

An Update on Tyson's Journey 9 June 2026

After receiving Tyson's biopsy results, we have been told that his brain tumour is cancerous. While this is incredibly difficult news for our whānau, we are grateful to finally have some answers. There are still many unanswered questions, and we will learn more about what this means for Tyson's treatment and journey in the coming days and weeks.

We want to thank every single person who has reached out, prayed, donated, shared our posts, and wrapped our whānau in aroha. The support from whānau, friends, and wider community has meant more than words can express and continues to give us strength during this challenging time.

Please continue to keep Tyson, Sarah, Asher, and Isla-Rose in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the road ahead together.

For those who have asked how they can help, contributions to Tyson's Givealittle page are still greatly appreciated and will help support the whānau as they remain by his side throughout his treatment journey.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for walking alongside us and holding our boy in your prayers ♥️

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On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More