Help Julie get thymoma surgery

Julie is a young mum from Cornwall living in Hawke’s Bay with her partner Tom. Together they have two little girls, four-year-old Luna and two-year-old Bee, and have made their home here. In May, doctors found a tumour in Julie’s chest and she has been living with the very real possibility of a cancer diagnosis ever since.

The only way to find out whether the mass is cancerous is through thymoma surgery. Julie was lucky enough to get a spot for the surgery in August, but on the way there, she received devastating news: a visa technicality meant she wasn’t eligible for public funding and the hospital couldn't do the surgery.

Fortunately, another hospital has offered to undertake the surgery and have a place for her in October. But without public funding, the surgery will cost around $48,000. As a single income family, this is an impossible ask - but it’s the only option left. Going back to the UK would mean being at the bottom of a long waiting list and as anyone who has been touched by cancer knows, an early diagnosis can make all the difference.

We’ve set up this Givealittle page in the hope of raising the money she needs to get this essential surgery and make sure she can see her beautiful girls grow up.

Every dollar counts and will make a world of difference for this young family. Thank you for taking the time to read Julie’s story and to everyone who has contributed: thank you from the bottom of our hearts, it means more than we could ever say.