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Brave mum big battle, let’s lift her up!

  • Ka nui te aroha !

      27 January 2026
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    Hello dear supporters,

    I am writing to say I will be signing off this Give a Little at the end of the month. Treatment on the whole has been rough, but I am strong.

    I will begin 6 months of oral chemotherapy next week. With hope, the side effects won't be too debilitating, and I am looking forward to some sense of normality back in my life.

    I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart, it really has made such a huge difference for myself and my children.

    Mauri ora

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  • Manawatū ❤️

      29 December 2025
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    I am writing this from a very windy rainy day here in Te Papaioea Palmerston North. I am staying at Ozanam house for week 3 of radiation. I will have 15 sessions (very day except Christmas day!) Some damage to my digestive tract is making swallowing painful this week...hard with all the beautiful summer fruit and Christmas treats all around !!!

    Surgery was on the 30th of oct. Bilateral mastectomy with 19 lymph nodes removed. Active cancer was found in the breast and 1 lymph node. Healing is going well. Some issues with movement following the surgery, so I am getting some physio support.

    I am so so grateful for all of your generous donations over this time. Its has been really hard at times, so much exhaustion, some pain - oh my goodness those drains!!! - and extra challenging having treatment over the Christmas period, all whilst trying to keep it together and make some fun for my children. Your koha has been so appreciated, making life that little bit sweeter, little bit lighter, little bit easier.

    Following radiation, as we head into the new year, I will start 4-6 months of oral chemotherapy.

    I am hoping to get back to work in the not to distant future.

    Much love and sunshine

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    • 31/12/2025 by Joe

      Keep chipping away 💚💚

  • Kōanga

      4 October 2025
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    Thank you all for your generous koha. It has meant so much to me and to my children over the last few weeks, bringing some ease and comfort to our lives.

    I have not been able to work due to the collateral damage caused by the drugs, and my immune compromised being.

    I have so much gratitude for all the care, support, prayers, karakia and love we have been shown. There is such beauty and nourishment in human connection, compassion and kindness.

    I have completed 4.5 months of chemotherapy now. It has been hard. I have walked hand in hand with my dark friends, Fear, Loneliness, Despair. Panic still hits me in the face from time to time, a feeling of being trapped in a rip. Surrender.

    And yet, here is kōanga, and with her she brings Hope, Relief, Warmth. My garden brings me so much joy. The garlic is up, the blossoms on the nashi pear are out, calendula turn their happy faces to the rain.

    Ironically, bilateral mastectomy is the next stage in this haerenga back to balance. It is scary. But my body is strong. I am needed. I am loved. Nōku te whiwhi!

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