Wednesday 21 March @ 1am, Sam lost her battle with cancer.
Sam past away peacefully full of love.
Sam is free from the pain and suffering.
I love you so much Sam. ❤️
A celebration of Sam's life will be held in Whangamata/Opoutere Easter weekend.
A huge thanks to all the generous donations - which are still pouring in. A special thanks to Lindsay Dean - who sent his mates a link to the page in lieu of a birthday gift. Sam and Niels were very touched by this gesture.
For those of you who are wondering how Sam is - here are some words from Niels:
'So I’ve been a bit slow on another update as it’s getting a little harder each time. I want to be updating you all with good news but unfortunately there is not much. We manage the odd cruise around Whanga to the beach or town but otherwise Sam is just in her chair at home or in bed.
Sam got a pedicure done on Wednesday and she loved it.
Sam has now become very weak and is tired or sleepy most of the time. She does still manage to interact with conversations though and loves to talk about the past. How good things were and all the rad adventures she’s done with all of us at some stage.
Her short term memory is not good. Forgets lots and can't retain information. Headaches are increasing in frequency and she generally feels like rubbish most days (Sam's terms). It’s just so bloody cruel and unfair.
I have my moments but I’m hanging in there. It’s been so good having lots of guests come stay and I have good support up here. We have had so much food made for us by friends and neighbours. Such a nice community we live in.'
Arohanui koutou x
Hi folks - we were privileged to spend the weekend with Sam and Niels, and thought some of you further afield might appreciate an update. As always they are being incredibly brave and strong. Sam is managing her pain well, however her mobility has taken a hit of late and she is largely in a wheel chair or can be found soaking up the sun on a comfy seat on the deck. I am very happy to report Sam (with some help) managed to have her first swim of the season today - and is now investigating wheel chair options that would allow her to roll straight into the estuary. That's some good use of her give-a-little funds for awesomeness! Thanks again for the continued generosity. xx Sara (and Sam and Niels)
Hi all - just another way we may be able to help Sam and Niels fit a little more awesome in... Sam would love a mini break away somewhere (close-ish) with a view of the sea. If anyone knows anyone who could hook her and Niels up - that would give them something manageable to look forward to... just a thought...
Hey folks - I have just caught up with Sam and Niels and wanted to give a quick update. It's been a while, which is good news. Since the road trip - scans show that there has been little change to the tumours. Which is fantastic as they had previously been very aggressive. Sam is managing her pain with a mix of traditional and alternative medications, and although tired and suffering occasional seizures, is generally comfortable. Your generous give-a-little funds are critically helping with the cost of her IV vitamin C treatment. So thanks again for this assistance. Other ways to help include dropping them a line / letter / care package - as days are long with both Niels and Sam off work. I am sure the distraction would be appreciated... arohanui koutou
Just a little update letting you all know that Sam and Niels have returned from a 4 week expedition down country. There were ups and downs but lots of awesomeness in between including a little heli trip to the glacier. I will upload some of Niels amazing pics... a huge thanks again to those who have donated and made this possible for them x
Hi all - unfortunately Niels can't update the page directly - but I thought those of you not connected on facebook might like to see the following post from Sam as they hit the road for some awesomeness...
Hi all - thanks again for your ongoing support for Sam and Niels. I was privileged to spend the weekend with them both and just wanted to post a quick update. They have had a rough few weeks - the initial treatment programme at Waikato Hospital was not effective and Sam and Niels opted instead for a short and very intensive treatment of radiation. This will finish Tuesday and has allowed them to bring forward their plan for a roadtrip around the country - leaving this coming weekend. They wanted you all to know that your funds have helped them hire a camper and hit the road. They will be accompanied by Sam's parents Annie and Peter who have been amazing support for them both. We are trying to arrange Niels access so that he can update this page as they head south - so watch this space. Arohanui and thanks again for bringing some awesome into these very special people's lives xx
Hi folks - I thought you might all appreciate an update. Sam and Niels have been on quite the rollercoaster in the last few weeks. I am very sorry to say that their trip to Bali was cancelled at the last minute as Sam's treatment had to be brought forward. They are now based in Hamilton and Sam is undergoing a round of radiation and chemotherapy. Fortunately they did manage a short and muddy getaway to Rotorua before settling into the intensive treatment plan. I can't express how much this page and all it's associated generosity has lifted their spirits. So far they have manage to complete the extension, have a rotovagus getaway, and have booked into a CanLive retreat in Wanaka later this year. Thanks again all you amazing folk xx (I have attached a pic of Sam modelling her new super hero hat)
Hi all your wonderful people. Just wanted to update you with how some of these generous funds are being spent... Niels' awesome boss gave the team 2 days off to whip their extension into shape and as a result Sam and Niels will have a functioning internal (yes it used to be outside) bathroom from today. Check out the pics of Niels' amazing handy work and Sam luxuriating in it - it will be even better now there's running water! On other progress, Sam is currently healing well from the op and tired but comfortable day to day. She meets the oncologist tomorrow - so will know next steps shortly. I will update when I can. Much love from Sam and Niels to all your gorgeous folk and many thanks for what you have helped them achieve. Xx
Hi all - a huge huge thank you for your kindness and generosity. If you haven't seen Sam's FB post I have posted it along with a gorgeous photo from a couple of days back on the gallery. As you will see - she is totally overwhelmed with all your love. Arohanui x
