"Strength in Unity: Join Us in Supporting Donna and Rikus Through Donna's Courageous Cancer Journey"
Donna and Rikus need our support through her cancer journey now she can no longer work and they are down to one income.
Auckland
Some words from Donna:
I am from South Africa and my hubby Rikus and I moved to NZ so that we could have a better life and spend quality time together. We have never been so happy and enjoying each other's company as we have been here. We have made great friends here, both Kiwis and South Africans and all have been wonderful for making us feel right at home.
Sadly in January 2025 I received the news that I have pancreas cancer and that the cancer is sitting on a blood vessel and in a very dangerous place. There will be 6 fortnightly chemo sessions through which I had a plan to keep working in my position as a Nutritionist at an ECE centre with surgery to follow. The side effects from treatment have made this no longer possible along with the risk of becoming unwell working around young children.
I am thankful for all the wonderful support from friends as we navigate this unexpected journey and grateful that I get a chance to fight this with the best support from the oncology team.
Some words from Paula:
Donna came to work for me as a relief teacher and I quickly realised what a great lady she was. Not only was she a great teacher on the floor with our children, she was also multi-talented and a great support in the kitchen providing meals for up to 100 children every day. Donna became a close friend through our time working together and this relationship has carried on after I left the Centre.
It was devastating to hear of her health battle she has and the loss of her income.
Paula Hutching's involvement (page creator)
Donna came to work for me as a relief teacher and then Centre Nutritionist, and through that working relationship we became friends. Donna has supported me when I needed it and now it is my turn to return the favour.
Use of funds
Any money raised will be used to provide support for travel costs to and from hospital, enable them to keep on top of usual weekly expenses while Donna is not working and Rikus takes time off work to support her through treatment.
Latest update
Surgery Outcome and Ongoing Support Needed 15 June 2025
We wanted to share an update on Donna’s journey. Sadly, the recent surgery was unable to remove the tumour due to it's position and the risks involved. While this news is deeply difficult, Donna and Rikus remain determined to keep fighting with everything they’ve got.
Once Donna has recovered from the surgery, she will begin another round of chemotherapy to help keep the cancer at bay for as long as possible.
The emotional toll is heavy, and so is the financial one. The ongoing costs of frequent hospital visits and specialist appointments continue to mount. On top of that, Rikus has had to take significant time off work to care for Donna and be by her side—something he wouldn't have any other way, but it does put extra strain on their finances.
Your support through this Givealittle page helps ease that burden. Every donation goes directly toward making this difficult journey a little more manageable for them both.
Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, and generosity. It truly makes a difference. 💛 Thank you for standing with Donna and Rikus. 💛
Latest donations
Thank you so much for your generous support during Donna’s treatment. Your kindness and love mean the world to Donna and Rikus and will made a big difference in this difficult time xx
Thank you so much for your generous support during Donna’s treatment. Your kindness and love mean the world to Donna and Rikus and will made a big difference in this difficult time xx
Thank you so much for your generous support during Donna’s treatment. Your kindness and love mean the world to Donna and Rikus and will made a big difference in this difficult time xx
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