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“I asked if they could freeze some eggs and they said no. They said you’ll never live long enough to be a parent.” – Paige, Stage 4 Brain Cancer,

Have you ever had to tell someone they have cancer?

Now imagine if that person was your own child, only in her twenties.

That’s what Kiwi mum Rachel faced—telling her daughter Paige she had cancer.

This Daffodil Day, families like Rachel’s need your help more than ever. Your support makes life-saving cancer research and crucial care possible for every Kiwi who needs it.

“I was in the office at work when they called me. I remember trying to write down what they were telling me, feeling so overwhelmed. After I sat outside, and I just cried and cried. But the hardest thing I’ve ever  had to do in my life was tell Paige. Sitting on that bed, trying to tell my daughter that she had stage 3 brain cancer... Paige just screamed, uncontrollably screamed, and so did I. So did my husband. We just sat there holding each other on the bed, just screaming.” – Rachel

It started in April, with Paige experiencing a strange lack of sensation in her hand. Within months, the entire right side of her body was affected—her arm, leg, and even parts of her face. “I remember grabbing the nurse, bawling my eyes out, and saying PLEASE can somebody help me?? I didn’t know what else to do.” – Paige

After misdiagnoses, tests, and a biopsy, Paige finally got her diagnosis: stage 3 brain cancer. A week later, the diagnosis was updated—stage 4 terminal brain cancer.

“It was heartbreaking to be told I’m terminal, and that I’m never going to have kids. Things I’ve always dreamed about happening like getting married, having kids, having a great family home, you know? It just tore me apart... But the hardest part is seeing what it is doing to my family. I can see it in their eyes. I can feel that it’s just breaking everyone’s hearts.” – Paige

With the shock of diagnosis still fresh, Paige was thrust into treatment—hospital visits, chemotherapy, and weeks of radiation. Through it all, she’s been supported by her mum Rachel, loved ones, and the Cancer Society—including our dedicated transport drivers.

“The fact that half my body doesn’t work, my right arm, my right leg, it puts a lot of strain on my walking and ability to do most things... it’s really hard. So support from services like the Cancer Society Drivers has been a really big help. Obviously, I can’t drive, so the drivers have been supporting me and helping me to get to my cancer appointments.” – Paige

Rachel also felt the impact of this support.

“The Cancer Society have been incredible. I’m there as much as I can, but for things like Paige’s weekly bloods or OT appointments, having the Cancer Society drivers takes the pressure off me immensely. Because I’m still a mum to my other two children at home, and a wife to my husband.
The Cancer Society have also given us so much information and so many different avenues to go for help. They’ve been amazing.” – Rachel

Because of people like you, the Cancer Society’s free services are a lifeline for families like Paige’s.

“I lost the hair on my radiation site. I’ve had to face complications like a brain bleed, and the movement loss in my arm and my leg. I can’t even tie my hair on my own... But I’ve gotten stronger. And I’m staying positive. I’ve learnt to tie my shoes with my teeth. To find ways to put on clothes, or to open a jar... I won’t give up.” – Paige

Paige’s strength and resilience are inspiring. She also shares words for others going through cancer:

“If you are going through cancer, I’m sorry. I really don’t have any other words, except to stay strong. And fight. This is your life, so fight for it. And if you run out of strength, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to the Cancer Society, reach out to a counsellor, talk to a friend. Try and let it out because if you hold everything in your just going to explode.” – Paige

For Paige, life now is about cherishing every moment—continuing treatment, spending time with loved ones, and playing with her kitten, Pepper. And recently, she received positive news—her treatment is working better than expected, and she’s started ticking off her bucket list.

But for many like Paige, the fight is not over.

Your donation this Daffodil Day will provide vital services and support ground-breaking research that can transform lives—for this generation and the next.

You can make an incredible difference. Please give today and be part of something life-changing.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported cancer patients like me and my family. You are making a difference, and we are forever grateful.” – Paige

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Cancer deeply impacts so many families—but your kindness helps ensure no one faces it alone.

Ngā mihi,

Your Local Cancer Society Team