Standing Beside Bob And Becky Through a Medical Crisis
Raising funds to support Bob, Becky, and their four children with basic living expenses during a life-altering medical crisis.
Pongakawa, Bay Of Plenty
Bob and Becky moved to New Zealand from Vanuatu two and a half years ago with their four children — Fredrick (15), Elizabeth (12), Junior (9), and Harrison (3) — on a working visa, hoping to build a safe and stable life for their family.
Over recent months, Bob’s health declined rapidly, with severe headaches and vomiting. In late Jan, he was rushed urgently to Waikato Hospital, where doctors discovered a large brain tumour in his frontal lobes. He has since undergone surgery to remove part of the tumour; however, removing the remainder would have risked damaging vital walking and speaking functions.
The tumor has been identified as an aggressive cancer and now requires urgent and intensive radiation treatment. While the family is deeply grateful to be in NZ with access to expert medical care, there is still significant uncertainty of what the future holds for them.
This diagnosis has left this young migrant family extremely vulnerable. Being far from extended family and without access to many of the social supports available to NZ citizens, Bob is unable to work, and Becky is only able to work occasional days while caring for her husband and children.
Our local community has generously stepped in to provide evening meals, offering much-needed support; but essential weekly costs remain and are a very real cause of extra stress.
Any support, big or small, will make a meaningful difference during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
About us
Fruit of the Pacific supports, educates and mentors short term Pacific migrants.
Use of funds
Funds raised will help cover basic living expenses such as rent, power, food, communications, and travel to hospital appointments.
Latest update
Bob Starts Treatment Today 3 March 2026
Today is a big day for Bob and Becky — one filled with emotion. Bob begins radiotherapy, and they’ve said goodbye to their youngest, Harrison (3), who is travelling to Vanuatu to stay with family for the next month.
Bob faces a long road ahead: six and a half weeks of daily radiotherapy, requiring transport to and from the clinic each day. Neither he nor Becky can drive, so they are incredibly grateful for the dedicated volunteers helping him attend every appointment.
After radiotherapy come six cycles of chemotherapy, each lasting six weeks — extending treatment to nearly a year from his initial operation. The impact on their home life, finances, and wellbeing is significant.
Difficult decisions are being made, including sending Harrison away (children aren’t allowed at the clinic). Future finances will be tight — WINZ declined their emergency benefit application, and Bob’s sick leave has run out.
Yet there is much to be thankful for. This Givealittle fund will cover Bob and Becky’s essential needs during radiotherapy and hopefully beyond — rent, power, gas, phones, food. Without it, they would have fallen through the cracks.
Today, Bob doesn’t start treatment alone — he carries your support with him. Becky doesn’t have to worry about keeping food on the table or a roof overhead, because you are standing beside her.
Please do keep sharing this page, so that they can be supported beyond Radiotherapy. This fund means everything to them - it really is a lifeline!
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