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The Donaldson’s Continue to Fight - Urgent Help Needed to Fund Offshore Cancer Treatment for their son Hugo

  • Update March 20226

      2 March 2026
    Posted by: Samantha Donaldson
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    Hi all, we just wanted to provide you with an update. We fly home and arrive in NZ on Friday. Hugo will have scans back in NZ on 12th March and if they are stable or better we will likely head back to Texas for another infusion.

    Until we have those scans, we don't know how everything has gone but we have been blessed to see some spark back in Hugos life whilst being off chemotherapy and other treatments. We remain hopeful and pray that things are heading in a positive direction.

    Thanks always for giving us this hope.

    Love Aaron, Sam, Hugo and Louis xo

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 02/03/2026 by Russell

      Very cool! Great to hear

  • Texas Update - Infusion complete

      12 February 2026
    Posted by: Samantha Donaldson
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    Hi all,

    We just wanted to update everyone. Hugo received his Car - T cells on 2nd February (picture below). Yes its just a syringe. Hugo reacted with side effects pretty quickly and was back in hospital that night with a fever, high heart rate and low blood pressure. Whilst these effects are not unexpected they did happen quicker than expected and to be honest was a pretty scary time.

    Hugo stabilised and came out of hospital after 3 nights and whilst he has had some raised temperatures, nothing that has required any further treatment. From now we have weekly check ins and blood tests. Initial blood tests show the car -t cells are expanding well but we will essentially have to wait for scans in about 3-4 weeks time to see if the treatment has had a positive effect. If it is working, we can have further infusions.

    Again thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this opportunity a reality.

    Love Aaron, Sam, Hugo and Louis xo

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 12/02/2026 by Chris

      Thank you for the update. My prayers are with you all during the days that lay ahead.

      CJ

  • Houston here we come

      11 January 2026
    Posted by: Samantha Donaldson

    Hi everyone,

    We wanted to provide an update regarding Hugo’s travel to Houston for the Car-T Therapy trial.

    We are now booked to fly this Friday, January 16th, and treatment is expected to begin on January 26th.

    Thank you again for all your support in allowing us to pursue this opportunity for Hugo. For those interested in the treatment he will be receiving, here is a story about a patient from this same trial and medical team: https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/patient-stories/texas-childrens-cancer-and-hematology-center-saves-young-patient-clinical

    While the specific types of cancer differ, it provides an encouraging look at what is possible.

    Love Aaron, Sam, Hugo and Louis xoxo

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 19/01/2026 by Chris

      Best wishes Hugo for your treatment and your time in Houston. I hope that you and your family have some amazing times together and pray that your treatment is 100% successful.

  • Update

      2 December 2025
    Posted by: Samantha Donaldson
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    We just want to take this opportunity to provide an update to all those people who have supported us in so many ways.

    We have managed to negotiate a payment plan for Hugo’s treatment in the US. This means we can start the process without full payment upfront.

    This Monday we were able to collect Hugo’s blood to be sent to Texas to allow them to make the Car - T cells for infusion. This can take between 4-6 weeks and once ready and as long as Hugo remains healthy enough we can travel to Houston for treatment.

    We know we still have some large hurdles to jump on this journey but we wanted to thank each and every one of you for your support in helping us to get to this first stage and keeping our hope alive.

    Please keep Hugo in your thoughts and prayers.

    Love Aaron, Sam, Hugo and Louis.

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 02/12/2025 by Sabina

      Thank you Samantha for posting an update, I know that it can sometimes be a huge effort to do such a seemingly simple thing, so I appreciate it. At the same time, don't ever feel you have to. It is so great to hear that Hugo will be able to start the treatment in the USA soon! I am sending you and your family lots of energy, a ton of hope and belief which will carry you through. And to Hugo, patience and love. He will be at the other end of it soon, looking back at this time as a distant memory, playing sports and loving life! Warmest wishes, Sabina

    • 02/12/2025 by Phyl

      So happy for you all that you have been able to organise a payment plan (thank You God). God hears Hugo’s name from me frequently and that will continue. I love that promise ‘I will never leave you or forsake you’ No matter what happens, God has you all safe in His arms. Safe Travels, 🙏 for your peace of mind and for full healing.

  • Thank you ❤️🙏

      31 October 2025
    Posted by: Samantha Donaldson

    We are not sure we can truly express in writing what we want to say to each and every one of you but here goes.

    We have been blown away and truly overwhelmed by the response we have received. We are so grateful to every donation, every share, every comment and every prayer.

    Sam and I had our birthdays over the long weekend and the most amazing gift we have been given is hope. Hope is the one thing we need right now and we can't say thank you enough for that.

    Please keep Hugo in your prayers and thoughts.

    Love Aaron, Sam, Hugo and Louis xo

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 06/11/2025 by Julia

      Li live in the USA. You can arrange to stay in the Ronald McDonald House near the hospital while your son receives treatment. It is free and also has emotion support for the whole family. Also sign up for Make a Wish as they are a tremors help for free!

    • 13/01/2026 by Lynnita

      Praying for you all on Hugo’s health journey. The Crooks family. 🙏🤞🏻❤️🇦🇺