Sam and Aaron Donaldson’s 11-year-old son, Hugo, has faced more than any child ever should.
In January 2024, at just nine years old, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
After enduring nine rounds of high-dose chemotherapy and 28 radiation sessions, Hugo was declared cancer-free in August 2024. Tragically, the relief was short-lived.
While on maintenance chemotherapy, he relapsed in March 2025 and began another gruelling treatment cycle. Despite early signs of progress, scans in September 2025 revealed further tumour growth.
Within days, Hugo went from experiencing leg pain to being unable to walk, now reliant on a wheelchair and battling constant pain. Hugo has since undergone further radiation and treatment changes, but options in New Zealand are limited.
Recently, he was accepted into a CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial in the United States, a promising, potentially life-saving opportunity. While the treatment itself is free, the associated hospital and living costs total around NZD 500,000 and are payable upfront.
Sam and Aaron are doing everything they can, withdrawing KiwiSaver funds, selling assets, and seeking every possible avenue of support but they cannot do it alone. Every donation, no matter how small, helps bring Hugo one step closer to recovery and a normal childhood.
If the overseas treatment cannot proceed, funds will be redirected toward alternative treatment or care for Hugo.
Donate and read more at: givealittle.co.nz/cause/love-and-support-for-the-donaldsons
