Helping my best friend get through the hardest time of her life
Whangarei, Northland
Our beautiful friend Cass has just been hit with a life-changing diagnosis: oropharyngeal cancer. In a matter of days, she will begin gruelling radiation and chemotherapy treatment that will keep her away from home for more than seven weeks and leave months of recovery ahead.
This is the kind of news that shakes a family to its core.
But Cass is meeting it with astonishing strength, and Dave is doing everything humanly possible to hold their world together for Cass and their precious daughter Isabella.
But bravery doesn’t pay bills
Love doesn’t cover travel, living costs, or months of lost income.
And right now, the financial strain is becoming frighteningly real.
While Cass’s medical treatment is funded, everything else is not the mortgage, the bills, the travel, the basic cost of simply getting through each day. Dave is trying to work, care for Cass, and support Isabella… but no family can bear this kind of pressure alone.
We’ve created this Givealittle page because Cass and her family need immediate, tangible support. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly ease the weight on their shoulders. Your share could reach the person who makes the difference. Your message could be the spark that keeps them going on the darkest days.
Let’s surround Cass, Dave, and Isabella with strength, hope, and generosity.
Let’s lift them up so they can focus on what truly matters Cass’s fight and their family’s future.
Let’s make sure they feel us standing right beside them. 💛
With love,
Hayley
My best friend.
Funds raised will go towards living costs, while Cass is unable to work due to treatments, travel costs to and from treatment centers,(Cass is having treatment in Auckland which is far away from Home in Whangarei) while Cass navigates through this new journey Every contribution will help xx
Update on Cass Treatment 23 December 2025
As we come to the end of WEEK 5 of my cancer treatment, this week has been a little more challenging than I anticipated. I transitioned from my NG feeding tube to needing a PEG procedure, as the NG was irritating my throat and causing significant reflux. The PEG hasn’t been easy, but I no longer have reflux or the constant urge to vomit, which has been a relief. With the PEG, my feeds and medications now go directly into my stomach.
My port is still very tender and painful, especially when I move or cough. My throat is extremely raw, with ulcers throughout, so sips of water or flat lemonade are about all I can manage right now.
The radiation has also started to make my jaw a little stiff, but I’ve been given exercises to help manage this and keep things moving. I’m still receiving IV fluids to help keep me hydrated and supported.
Even though I’ve been incredibly exhausted and often nodding off, having David has made hospital life a little more bearable and far less depressing. I was also lucky to have visits from Raewyn and Gareth, and of course Uncle Mike I’ve really enjoyed his company over the last few weeks. Their support and presence have meant more than they
Also I just want to say thank you to those that have donated and shared my Givealittle page, we are so grateful for the generosity that many of you have shown, thankyou once again🙏
Thanks lovely
ThanKS Gary ❤️
Tha KS you very much.
Thanks ❤️
Awsome thanks you
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