From crisis to community
When seven-year-old Aaliyah started waking in the night with sore legs, her parents assumed it was just growing pains. But within weeks, the pain had worsened – until one weekend, she was too unwell to eat or even walk.
Nikora, Aaliyah’s dad, took her to the GP, who referred them to the emergency department in Dunedin. That’s where her family received the devastating news: Aaliyah had leukaemia. Within 24 hours, she was airlifted from Dunedin to Christchurch for treatment.
In that moment of shock and fear, your support made sure help was waiting. Because of you, Kate from LBC was there – ready to listen, answer questions, and offer comfort and practical support when the family needed it most.
“She introduced us to the Monkey in My Chair programme, which Aaliyah and her classmates absolutely loved,” says Emma, Aaliyah’s mum. “It was just amazing having someone with experience to talk us through everything.”
Now, with Aaliyah back at school in between treatments, Emma and her family are giving back. They’re hosting a local Shine for a Cure event in Balclutha to bring their community together, celebrate Aaliyah’s courage, and raise vital funds for other families facing blood cancer. Emma started a Facebook event to spread the word – and within two days, 150 people were already interested.
The event will feature a walk around the river reserve, food trucks, a Mr Whippy van, and even a bouncy castle. “It’s a chance for our town to come together, show support, and raise what we can,” Emma says.
“It’s our way of saying thank you for the incredible support we’ve received.”
