Supporting our friends back to health: En apoyo de nuestros amigos.

A couple of years ago a vibrant and courageous family part-flew, part-sailed across the Pacific Ocean in the winds and on the waves from South America to start a new adventure, and family life, here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Mum (Carolina), Dad and their three pre-teen children settled quickly into – and contributed greatly to – their new school, work and community life.

Resuming her annual mammograms – and with little reason to have any concern – our dear friend received the shock diagnosis of advanced breast cancer; treatment options were immediately offered and accessed.

Unfortunately due to visa limitations ALL medical costs have to be self-funded – every blood test, every GP and nurse visit - right through to chemotherapy and hospital-level options: constantly escalating costs in the ballpark of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Vibrancy and courage have now taken on a new meaning.

We are a small group of school families wondering how to best support this lovely family who have brought such warmth, fun and Latino laughter to our lives. One of our options is financial support; we feel this will avail the family with the opportunity to make their own funding decisions in their own considered, collaborative and timely way.

Thank-you for reading – and donating.

Gracias!

Arohanui.