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.
Update on Bethany’s Brave Journey 30 March 2025
We’re thrilled to share that Bethany has completed chemotherapy!
While the worst of chemo is behind us, there's still a long road to full recovery. Bethany will require regular monitoring and outpatient checkups for the next five years, shoulder/arm rehabilitation, surgery to remove the chemo port, and her immune system remains suppressed.
But we are filled with hope—not least from watching her determinedly perform a few scenes as 'Juliet' in a drama production with her sisters a few weeks ago—something that seemed unthinkable until she did it.
However, March was particularly tough for the Cammell family. Kristy ended up being admitted to the hospital herself, and Mike’s long-time job ended due to redundancy.
Through all the ups and downs, we’re so grateful for your unwavering support.
While Bethany's brave journey will continue long beyond chemo, this Givealittle page has now fulfilled its original purpose, and will be closing at the end of April.
Your generosity has made an incredible impact. We truly can’t imagine what we'd have done without this Givealittle, and the kindness it brought from community and strangers alike. We are humbled and grateful.
Thank you, thank you, thank you 🫶
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