Our dear friend Kathryn is fighting for her life against stage 4 cancer. Please support her, her husband Simon, and her young daughter Tui.
Rangiora, Canterbury
In late 2022, while breastfeeding her daughter, Kathryn discovered a lump. Just a week before Christmas, she received the devastating diagnosis of Stage 3 breast cancer. Throughout 2023, Kathryn fought through intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Things were looking positive, and she transitioned to hormone blockers with a real sense of hope for the future.
However, in July 2025, the journey took a heartbreaking turn. Kathryn was diagnosed with Stage 4 incurable cancer, which has now spread to her bones and liver.
She is now in a fight for time. While initial targeted therapy provided six months of stability, the last month has brought new challenges. Following several hospitalisations for infections, Kathryn has had to switch back to chemotherapy. This will now be a lifelong reality for her, alongside radiation to help manage her pain.
Kathryn had every intention of being back in the classroom this term, but her recent health setbacks have made that impossible. Being her hardworking, social self, she is understandably gutted, but the reality of exhaustion and chronic pain means she must focus all her energy on her family and health right now.
For anyone who knows Kathryn, you know she is the first to help others and the last to want a fuss made over her. However, she has humbly allowed us to create this page as a way her community can support her.
I am blessed to be a friend of this all-round great human Kathryn, her husband Simon, and their family.
Any contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way toward covering costs associated with ongoing treatment (such as petrol) and supporting the family with daily living expenses, such as daycare for Tui.
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.