Sam’s AML(Acute myeloid leukaemia) fight club

After experiencing crippling stomach pain one day, 24-year-old Samantha Turnbull was rushed to the Kaitaia Hospital A&M. Bloods were done immediately with her results were presented that very day (24/07/20), she had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).

Sam’s family were instructed, once they received the shocking diagnosis, to drive her to Whangarei base hospital, a 2-hour drive! She was then being transferred by ambulance to Auckland city hospital.

The oncology specialists have advised that her treatment will be at least four rounds of chemotherapy at Auckland Hospital which means she will have to be mostly based in Auckland for a minimum 6 months.

This diagnosis has devastated Sam’s parents, Teresa and Mullet Turnbull, as well as her entire family and extended family friends. Sam’s mum has unfortunately had to give up work to care for her daughter, which requires trips back and forth to Auckland, supporting her with her many appointments and treatments, also maintaining Sam’s morale.

As you can imagine this has put immense pressure on their family as well as stretching their financial resources to the limit. As a close family friend, I know that this family are very humble and would never willingly ask for help. However, because my friend Teresa has had to give up her job to care for her daughter, finances are becoming a struggle. This is about me, asking on their behalf, doing a little thing, I feel, would be a massive support at this very challenging time.

TIA 💚