Sunshine Sonya’s Wish

Julius is too young to know it’s likely to be the last Mother’s Day he’ll get to share with his mum, Sonya Healey (affectionately known as Sunshine Sonya).

Since June 2019, Sonya has been battling stage 3 cervical cancer, and in January this year was told her diagnosis was terminal.

Cancer shows no mercy for its victims, but as Julius and his brother, seven-year-old Nathaniel, face the prospect of growing up without their own special sunshine, we’re calling on you to show mercy, and help secure a bright future for them.

When first diagnosed, Sonya underwent aggressive treatment in Wellington, four hours’ away from family and friends, including chemotherapy and external and internal radiation.

While the medical professionals were open and honest in explaining the situation to Sonya, no-one ever thinks they’ll be that person, the one in 1000 for whom fate deals the worst possible cards.

Especially when you deal with the harsh medical treatments with a smile - and plenty of sunshine.

In the three months following her treatment, rather than getting better, Sonya’s health declined.

In January, she visited Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

Doctors discovered the cancer had pierced her bowel, and was spreading faster than anyone could have predicted. This placed pressure on her urinary tract, meaning two stents had to be surgically inserted to try and save her digestive system.

Sonya’s health continued to get worse.

In March, an examination revealed the cancer had spread, and pierced a hole in her urinary tract.

She was admitted to intensive care, and told she could die within 48 hours. But with the help of medical professionals and antibiotics, Sonya fought back.

Antibiotics are now keeping Sonya alive, and the reality is we don’t know how much longer we have with our beautiful sunshine sharing her light with us.

Her two gorgeous sons are making the most of every day with her, and it breaks their heart to watch her health decline even further.

Despite all this turmoil, Sonya has made a YouTube channel to share her journey and inspire others to keep a positive mindset, even when the odds are stacked against them.

She advocates and shares her story with media, to benefit those who have helped her along her journey, including Cranford Hospice in Hastings.

This fund is to support Sonya’s boys for the road that lies ahead of them, and to give Sonya peace of mind that they won’t need to worry about money, when all she wants is for them to be happy and flourishing in the love of the ‘village’ that surrounds them.

Let’s support Sunshine Sonya’s wish and give where we can, share where we can, and love everyone we can, in her honour.