Turning Time Into Memories for Mel

$2,097 donated
Given by 25 generous donors in 8 days

Helping Mel turn precious time into memories by ticking off her bucket list with love and support

Taupo, Waikato

At just 24 years old, Mel was recently diagnosed with stage 3 astrocytoma (brain cancer). Just before Christmas, she underwent major brain surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible.

This type of cancer attacks the central nervous system, and as a result Mel now faces limited mobility and seizures, changing her day-to-day life in ways no young person should have to endure.

At this stage, there is no cure for Mel’s cancer. Treatment is focused on slowing its progression, managing symptoms, and giving her as much quality time and comfort as possible, making every moment even more precious.

In between hospital appointments and ongoing treatments, Mel has a bucket list of things she hopes to experience while she still can, and we’re doing everything we can to help make those moments happen.

We’re asking for a little help to support Mel in ticking off some of these wishes — whether through experiences, opportunities, or easing the financial burden so the focus can stay on making memories.

Thank you for taking the time to read Mel’s story and for any support you’re able to give. Your kindness is helping create moments of joy during an incredibly difficult time. 🤍

Christine Thorburn's involvement (page creator)

I'm Melanie's eldest sister

Use of funds

Funds raised will help Mel experience special bucket list moments between treatments, while easing the costs that make these memories possible

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2% Effective Fee
On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More

Latest donations

Jaewon
Jaewon 4 hours ago
Stay strong, Mel! Hope you get better soon
$100
Paul David
Paul David 4 days ago
All I can give right now, sending all my love
$7
Riley
Riley 5 days ago
I hope this helps 💙
$100
Christine Thorburn

Thank you so much 🤍 we’re incredibly grateful

Christine Thorburn
Tito
Tito 6 days ago
$100
Christine Thorburn

Thank you so much 🤍 we’re incredibly grateful

Christine Thorburn
Lei
Lei 6 days ago
Hope you recover completely.
$150
Christine Thorburn

Thank you so much 🤍 we’re incredibly grateful

Christine Thorburn

Who's involved?

Christine Thorburn's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Christine Thorburn on behalf of My sister Melanie
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This campaign started on 30 Jan 2026 and ends on 30 Jan 2027.