Bethany is 15 years old and has just been diagnosed with bone cancer. Her parents are immunocompromised and in need of support.
Auckland
Bethany is 15 years old and has just been diagnosed with bone cancer.
Sometimes, the people who deserve help the most are reluctant to ask for it. That's the kind of family Bethany comes from.
In the past four years, this low-income home has been hit by a fire, a flood, and of course a worldwide pandemic. And now, cancer. The big "C".
Bethany's mum suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, and her dad suffers from ulcerative colitis. For the past few years, something as simple as a trip to the supermarket can leave either one of Bethany's parents on '0% battery'.
Still, they don't ask for help. They just push through, dedicating every waking moment to ensuring their three daughters have all they need to flourish.
But now, Bethany's diagnosis has shattered everything. It seemed unconscionable just last week. She was drawing realistic still lifes on her iPad, training the family's puppy "Bravo", and stepping up to help her parents sustain a busy household on low battery.
But now, she's in hospital, in constant pain from a tumour on her left arm which has grown rapidly. We won't know for a week or two what her prognosis and treatment plan look like, but the outlook is scary to say the least.
She needs round-the-clock care, and her family need support in order to provide it.
But they won't ask for it.
Let's step up and show this family that there is a community behind them, supporting them, cheering for them.
Please give what you can to support Bethany, Kristy, Mike, Kaitlyn & Elliana.
I am Bethany's uncle. We met when she was about three hours old. Her mum Kristy Cammell is my sister.
- Income relief for Bethany's parents while they care for her.
- Hospital expenses (incl. parking which is $28 for 8 hours).
- Food, phone, and transportation costs.
- Childcare costs for Bethany's sisters.
- Things that will put a smile on Bethany's face.
A message from Bethany's Mum Kristy 13 January 2025
We’d like to offer an update to show you how your donations have made a difference for our family.
I’m writing this beside Bethany in the hospital as a bright red poison flows through her, making her sicker, yet paving the way to her healing. We’ve learned that the path to healing is costly.
Here are just a few of the ways that your generous donations have helped:
🏥 Hospital Expenses: These have been numerous, including pharmacy costs, medical bills, petrol, and astronomical parking. We also been able to streamline hospital trips with suitcases, travel organizers, and a travel fridge.
🫰Ongoing Expenses: Vehicles for hospital trips, a specialized chair to help Bethany rest ergonomically, clothing for changing mobility, food for changing nutrition, supplements, heaters, fans, phones, data, and cleaners.
❤️🩹 Making Bethany Smile: Funds have also gone towards a new iPad Pro for Bethany's digital art and an upgraded music streaming plan so her relaxing music isn’t interrupted by ads while she’s receiving chemo.
💲Income Relief: Your support has supplemented the loss of income from Mike and I being unable to work as much, and for the small unit under our house that usually helps our mortgage to instead house family that help us care for Bethany and her younger sisters when we are divided.
To each of you who have supported us on this journey so far: THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.