Cody's cancer journey (page update April 2026)
Supporting Cody and his Mum Mel on their cancer journey
Riverton, Southland
In September 2025 15-year-old Cody Gnys suddenly became unwell, this was completely out of the blue. Cody has been diagnosed with an advanced germ cell tumor (cancer) that has spread to three other parts of his body. As you can imagine this has been a huge shock to Cody, his Mum Mel Healey and their wider family and friends.
Cody faces a tough battle for the next 6 to 12 months while he receives intense chemotherapy away from home in Christchurch. Advanced germ cell tumors can only be treated by chemotherapy, then more scans in the hope the tumors have shrunk enough to be removed, this will involve at least 3 surgeries. Cody will then be reassessed to see if more treatment is required.
Cody has just turned 16 and has chosen to go on a clinical trial so that his journey can help other people in the future. As Cody focuses on beating this cancer we want to rally around Mel to help ease the financial pressures that come with such an unexpected diagnosis and with being away from home as they travel from Riverton to Christchurch for regular treatment.
All funds raised have gone directly towards supporting Mel and Cody - helping cover costs associated with being away from home, household bills and allowing Mel to stay by Cody's side without the added burden of financial stress.
Every contribution, no matter the size, has made a meaningful difference for them as they navigate this journey.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity and support.
Julie McEwan-Franks' involvement (page creator)
I met Cody and Mel through my daughter who is a friend of Cody's, they are lovely people and I want to help them in any way I can through this incredibly challenging journey.
Use of funds
All funds raised will go directly towards supporting Mel and Cody - helping cover costs associated with being away from home, household bills and allowing Mel to stay by Cody's side without the added burden of financial stress.
Latest update
Update at 22 April 2026 from Mel 23 April 2026
Cody had a CT scan and MRI a few weeks ago, and today we had the follow-up. Everything is looking really positive—his blood work has been good, and the scans showed a definite decrease in the size of the lesions on his liver.
Moving forward, Cody is now being called a cancer survivor, which is just incredible news. At this stage, he’ll still have weekly blood tests and scans every three months. Over time, that will move out to every six months and beyond. Because Cody is part of a clinical trial, his blood work and scans are also being sent to Australia and the UK. So it's great that he gets the extra monitoring.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all the love, support, and prayers. It’s been overwhelming in the best way, and I still can’t believe how much the community has stood behind us. It’s been a huge journey.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop worrying—every cold or moment of tiredness still gets me—but right now he’s healing, even if he is still very tired.
Cody is back at school almost full-time, and he’s been incredibly lucky that his amazing boss, who has supported him throughout and welcomed him back. So he's helping out in the workshop at Kahu Barrett Contracting, which he really enjoys.
As for me, I’m ready to get back into the workforce and start the next chapter.
When I find a new job.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all again for everything.
Melanie, Cody & Russell
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