Support for a young family with a 6-month-old who's daddy (36) has just been diagnosed with Stage 3C Germ Cell Cancer
Hamilton, Waikato
Sam and Danni should be heading into the holiday season enjoying their first Christmas as a family with their 6-month-old son, Leo.
Unfortunately, just three weeks ago, Sam thought he was dealing with gallstones. Instead, he was diagnosed with Stage 3C Germ Cell Cancer, which has caused tumors on distant lymph nodes and organs. He has been rushed into hospital to begin intense chemotherapy, leaving the family facing fear, uncertainty, and enormous pressure.
With Sam unable to work and Danni on maternity leave until February, financial stress is overwhelming. Mortgage payments, bills, hospital travel, and day-to-day costs are piling up at a time when their focus should be on Sam’s treatment and their little family.
We are reaching out for your help.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 to support Sam and Danni through the coming months — easing financial pressure so Sam can focus on healing, and their family can get through the holiday season with some breathing room.
Anything you can give — even the price of your Monday coffee — would make a meaningful difference. Every donation shows they are not walking this path alone.
If you’d like to help in other ways — freezer meals, snacks, care packages, or day-to-day support — please contact Lucy Hendry-Jefferies on 021 0235 2707, who is coordinating assistance.
Thank you for standing with Sam, Danni, and their little family during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness truly matters.
#TribeArts&Smith
Danni (wife to Sam and mother to Leo) is my best friend. She is one of the most caring, compassionate and loving people you will ever meet. She is a blessing to world and deserves to be surrounded with support. She is simply an amazing human, mum and wife.
Day to day living costs, day care for Leo in 2026, travel expenses to and from hospital, wages for Sam while he is unable to work, treatment costs.
Update from Danni 17 December 2025
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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