+1 image
Main image

Rita’s Second Fight. Let’s Help Her Keep Giggling

$451 of $3,000 goal
Given by 9 generous donors in 18 days

Supporting our beautiful, giggly 17-year-old Rita as she bravely faces leukaemia again after 13 years in remission.

Kaeo, Northland

Meet Rita.

Rita is a 17-year-old girl with Down syndrome who is known by everyone around her for her contagious giggles, cheeky personality, and the joy she brings into every room. Although Rita is non-verbal, she has a beautiful way of communicating through her laughter, expressions, and playful spirit.

Rita loves the simple things that make her happy — creating art, listening to music, and dressing up in fun outfits. Anyone who knows Rita knows how much light and laughter she brings to the people around her.

When Rita was younger, she was diagnosed with leukemia. After a long and difficult journey, she bravely fought through treatment and went into remission for 13 wonderful years.

Last October/November, our family received the heartbreaking news that Rita’s leukemia has returned.

Despite everything she is facing, Rita continues to show her joyful spirit every day. Her giggles still fill the room and remind us just how special she is.

While Rita’s treatment is thankfully covered, this journey comes with many other challenges for our family, including travel, time away from work, and making sure Rita has everything she needs to stay comfortable and happy.

Any support or sharing of Rita’s story means the world to our family. Thank you for helping us support our beautiful Rita through this fight.

Catarina Cruz's involvement (page creator)

I’m Rita’s older sister, helping share her story and support her through this journey.

Use of funds

Rita’s necessities , Fuel to get her to her appointments / treatment , Outgoings Living costs

Read more
2% Effective Fee
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

Latest donations

Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 21 Mar 2026
In our heart and prayers for Rita and the whanau
$100
Catarina Cruz

Thank you 🤍 we’re so grateful

Catarina Cruz
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 20 Mar 2026
Private
Catarina Cruz

So grateful for your support 🤍 thank you

Catarina Cruz
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 20 Mar 2026
$100
Catarina Cruz

Thank you so much 🤍 we truly appreciate your generosity

Catarina Cruz
Kalani
Kalani on 18 Mar 2026
$30
Catarina Cruz

Thanks Kalani 🤍 we truly appreciate it.

Catarina Cruz
Jayde
Jayde on 18 Mar 2026
$10
Catarina Cruz

Thankyou Jayde ! 🩷😊

Catarina Cruz

Who's involved?

Catarina Cruz's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Catarina Cruz on behalf of Rita paewhenua
Page Moderated
The page has been checked by our team to make sure it complies with our terms and conditions.

Help Fundraise

You can create your own page to help fundraise for this cause.

Gallery

Any concerns?

Report this page
This campaign started on 17 Mar 2026 and ends on 17 Sep 2026.