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Sam and Danni need your help. #TribeArts&Smith

  • Page Closing Soon - One Final Thank You

      6 September 2026
    Posted by: Danielle Arts-Smith
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    As our Givealittle page comes to a close tomorrow, I wanted to share one final message of thanks.

    Over the past months, our wee whānau have been carried through the most difficult chapter of our lives by the incredible kindness and compassion of our village and wider community.

    Because of your generosity, Sam was able to spend precious time with those he loved most, and Leo and I have been given comfort and stability during a time that has felt so uncertain.

    Today, on Father’s Day, Leo and I spent some time at the beach. Sam loved the water, and seeing Leo absolutely gun it towards the shore reminded me just how much of his dad I see in him. It feels both incredibly hard and undeniably special to see how so much of Sam's love, light, and laughter lives on in Leo.

    While this page may be closing, I hope you know that the love, kindness and support you have shown us will remain in my heart forever. You have helped carry us through the unimaginable, and I will never be able to thank you enough.

    From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing beside us, for honouring Sam, and for surrounding our whānau with so much aroha.

    Arohanui,

    Danni and Leo

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  • Thank you to our wider village ❤️

      13 August 2026
    Posted by: Danielle Arts-Smith

    Throughout this journey, I have been blown away by the support of our village and wider community. The stress, financial hardship, and mental load have been significantly lightened thanks to the people that have rallied around our whānau.

    I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the following businesses and organisations who have generously donated their time, money, or services to help ease the burden during these difficult times. I hope you’ll consider showing them your support in the future, just as they have shown theirs to us ❤️

    - Enlighten Designs

    - Catherine Smith Photography

    - A Team Refrigeration

    - Realcold

    - Refspecs

    - Pit Stop Hamilton

    - Ross & Co. Hair Design

    - Christina Phillips Photography

    - The Waikato Times

    - Sass Kitchen

    - The Knead to Feed

    - Ruby Chews NZ

    - The Lawrenson Group

    - Hamilton Zoo

    - Motat

    - Silvester Electrical Ltd

    - Ebbett Group

    - Grasshoppers ELC

    - Heartland Bank

    - The Children's Garden

    - Matamata Auto Services

    - Virtual Print

    - TailoredNZ

    - Wilder Sensory

    Thank you for showing up for us, supporting us, and helping to carry some of the weight when it all felt too heavy.

    Arohanui

    Danni

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  • A Final Farewell

      27 July 2026
    Posted by: Danielle Arts-Smith
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    The past week has been one of the hardest of my life, but it has also shown me the incredible kindness and generosity of our community. I am truly lost for words over the love our whānau has received.

    After Sam passed peacefully at Hospice Waikato on Saturday 18 July, he returned home the following day. In the days afterwards, our home was filled with people saying their final farewells, sharing stories, dropping off meals, caring for Leo, or simply bringing me a coffee and a hug when I needed it most.

    Although our home was full, so was my heart. Sam got his wish of coming home and being surrounded by the people who loved him.

    On Thursday 23 July, we celebrated Sam's life at The Verandah Function Centre at Hamilton Lake, a place that held special meaning for us. A recording of the service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/1212239683/3883d6b02e?fl=pl&fe=sh

    This week has reminded me just how deeply loved Leo and I are. I'm discovering a strength I never knew I had, but I've also learnt that strength doesn't mean carrying everything alone. It means allowing others to hold you up when you need it most.

    Though Sam is no longer with us, he lives on in the song of the tūī, in Leo's gentle nature, and in the countless stories that continue to be shared.

    Thank you for walking alongside us over the past 7 months. Every donation, message, meal, and act of kindness has carried us through the darkest days. I will never be able to express how truly grateful I am.

    Arohanui,

    Danni

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  • The outcome we didn't want.

      19 July 2026

    It is with a broken heart that I need to share with you all that our beautiful Sam passed away yesterday afternoon after his short battle with cancer.

    He was surrounded by the people he loved most - family and friends. Lots of them. The popular bugger!

    Sam is now at home with with his beloved wife Danni and gorgeous son Leo. He will have his funeral later this week.

    From the bottom of our hearts - thank you to everyone who has donated, supported, dropped off meals, cared for Leo, visited Sam or simply kept this family in your thoughts, your kindness has meant the world to them, and your donations have helped support them massively.

    It is truly amazing how we all come together to support those that need it most. It gives real substance to the word "Community". It takes a village after all right? All my love to to you all and especially to you, Sam, Danni and Leo. xo

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  • Hospice, hospital, and many helping hands

      30 June 2026
    Posted by: Danielle Arts-Smith
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    This past weekend has been one of the hardest we've faced, and it feels like I'm only just catching my breath now.

    Unfortunately, Leo was hit hard with RSV, which then developed into bronchopneumonia. After some time in hospital with oxygen, a feeding tube, and lots of TLC, he's now back home and on the mend.

    While Leo was in hospital, Sam moved into hospice for some respite and support. Now Leo is home, Sam is staying there this week, where he's receiving wonderful care and some much needed rest.

    Nothing quite prepares you for the feeling of your heart breaking in two. Wanting so desperately to be in two places at once, giving both of my boys everything they need, while knowing that's simply impossible, has been heartbreaking beyond words.

    Though I really didn't need another test of my strength (thanks universe), I've been reminded once again just how incredibly surrounded we are by love. Thank you to our family and friends who have dropped everything, the local businesses who have eased some of the practical burdens, and every single person who has supported us through Givealittle. Whether we know you personally or not, we are eternally grateful.

    A very special thank you also to Catherine Smith Photography, who so generously gifted us a photo session. At a time when every moment together feels so precious, we're so thankful to have these memories to treasure.

    From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all for continuing to walk alongside us,

    Danni

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  • Happy First Birthday to Leo!

      8 June 2026
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    And on an even more awesome note — a huge happy birthday to Mr Leo, who turned a whole 1 year old yesterday! 🎈 He had the most amazing day on Saturday, partying it up at the zoo with all his friends and whānau. So many wonderful people turned up to show their love for this awesome little lion and his incredible parents!

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    • 09/06/2026 by Tokoroa Childcare Centre

      Happy 1st birthday Leo! Looks like it was a wonderful celebration with so much colour and aroha around you! So happy you got to spend it together as a whanau with all your extended loved ones 🎂💓

  • Extension because of all your AMAZING support

      8 June 2026

    Pō mārie e te whānau

    Just a little note to let you know that I am extending the end date for this page for another few months. Sam and Danni have had such an amazing outpouring of love and donations through this channel, and we want to keep it open for as long as they need it—especially after the latest update Danni shared.

    Please keep sharing, donating, and supporting this beautiful family. And not just through donations—thank you to all those who have reached out in so many other ways, whether that’s providing freezer meals, childcare, a listening ear, birthday cakes, or paid-for experiences. Every single act of kindness means so much.

    It’s unbelievable that we’re close to $30K. When I was putting this page together, I thought $10K would be incredible! It honestly blows my mind to see how our tribe has come together for Sam and Danni.

    Every donation makes a huge difference, and I can’t thank you all enough for the love and support you’ve shown.

    Lucy xx

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  • The update I never thought I’d have to share…

      19 May 2026
    Posted by: Danielle Arts-Smith

    It’s been a while since I last posted, and I truly wished I had better news to share. After 6 rounds of chemotherapy, we received the news we had been desperately dreading. Unfortunately, Sam’s cancer has not responded to treatment as we had hoped and has become resistant to chemo. Despite intensive treatment, the cancer is aggressive, widespread, and continuing to grow.

    We have now been told that Sam’s prognosis is no longer focused on a cure. Due to the nature of his cancer, we have exhausted the treatment options available to us and are now facing the heartbreaking reality of a terminal diagnosis, with a life expectancy of only months.

    This devastating news has been incredibly difficult to process, especially while Sam was hospitalised with Covid, followed the next week by Leo (11 months old) with bronchiolitis. Thankfully, both boys are now home and recovering well.

    Right now, we’re holding onto the small moments together while preparing for the incredibly difficult road ahead. Our weeks have become a delicate balance of rest, playground trips, café dates, and soaking in every precious moment together as a family.

    Your donations will help ease the pressure of living costs, give us the opportunity to create special memories together, and help us prepare for funeral expenses when the time comes.

    While we may not be able to reply to every message, please know that every kind word, donation, and share means so much to our family during this time. Thank you again ❤️

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  • The Complications of Cancer

      29 January 2026
    Posted by: Danielle Arts-Smith

    Another month, another infection, and yet another lengthy hospital stay. This one, however, was much scarier than the last. As his immune system is so weakened from chemotherapy, Sam is extremely vulnerable to infections and even minor illnesses can become serious very quickly.

    What began as a simple fever quickly escalated into a mysterious infection that severely affected Sam’s lungs. The resulting inflammation led to respiratory distress, but thankfully, his breathing was soon stabilized.

    Countless tests later (including one called a "lung wash" - it's exactly what it sounds like) and the source of the infection remained a mystery. Thankfully, with the right combination of antibiotics, the infection subsided and Sam's breathing returned to normal.

    After being given the all-clear, Sam has been able to rest at home for a few days before he heads back to hospital soon for his next round of chemotherapy.

    Thanks to your incredibly generous donations, I have been able to defer returning to work so I can be there to support Sam in these very uncertain times. Above all else, you have given us the gift of time together as a family. This is time that we will never get back, and for that we will be forever grateful.

    From the bottom of our hearts, we remain so deeply thankful for every message, every meal, every donation, and every share. Your kindness continues to carry us through more than you know 💜

    Aroha nui,

    Danni

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  • Happy NY and Thank You!

      4 January 2026

    Wow. I am beyond words at how everyone has supported this beautiful family! Thank you to each and every one of you who has donated, reached out and supported Sam, Danni and Leo. You cannot believe how much of a help this money will make to them as the new year begins! And to reach well over 10k is just amazing. You are all wonderful people, and I am just amazed and humbled at how when we come together, such amazing things can happen. Love to you all and thank you, thank you, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

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  • A Very Merry Christmas

      25 December 2025
    Posted by: Danielle Arts-Smith
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    From our whānau to yours, we hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and wish to thank you for making this difficult time of year that little bit easier. A special thank you also to the wonderful māmā at Matamata Playcentre who kindly donated gifts for Leo. It has been such a joyous morning seeing the excitement on his wee face as he plays with all of his new toys.

    Due to an infection and being neutropenic (low white blood cells), Sam was admitted back into hospital on the 23rd so that he could receive treatment and be monitored closely. Fortunately he is allowed home for a few hours today and we are beyond thankful for this opportunity to make memories together for Leo's first Christmas.

    Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts and best wishes for the holiday period ❤️

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  • Update from Danni

      17 December 2025
    Posted by: Danielle Arts-Smith

    WOW, just wow. To say we are overwhelmed is an understatement 🥹 It's crazy to think that it was less than a week ago that we received Sam's diagnosis, and already this page has surpassed its goal and he is almost through his first round of chemotherapy.

    We are both truly blown away by everyone's generosity and offers of support. From the donations, frozen meals, babysitting, and help around the house, to the care packages and Christmas presents for Leo, your help has alleviated so much stress and worry. It has meant that I can be by Sam's side throughout everything, and that we have been able to really enjoy our time spent together as a whānau. A special thank you to our wonderful friend Lucy - none of this would have been possible without you.

    I am very happy to report that Sam is now home for a while over the Christmas break, with just a few day stays in hospital during this time. He is due to start his next round of chemotherapy in the New Year and is doing well despite the pain and fatigue. He would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to you all and he is very blown away by the support of our village.

    Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. We appreciate each and every one of you 💜

    Arohanui, Danni

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  • 48 hr Update - Thank you all so much!

      12 December 2025

    Kia ora koutou

    A massive THANK YOU to each and every person who has donated, shared the link and reached out with support for Sam, Danni and Leo! I cannot believe that in 48hrs we are well over halfway to reaching our goal! You are all amazing people, and Im just blowen away with what we can do when we all come together!

    Please help us keep the momentum going by continuing to share the link and telling others about Sam and Danni's story.

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