Tough times for loving young family

David, Juan-Marie and family need your help.


Originally from South Africa, David, Juan-Marie (Juan) and their children (Zoe, Ethan Alexi) made the bold decision in 2019 to move to New Zealand to build up a better life for their family. They took a big risk; they sold everything they owned to finance the move hoping that with a positive attitude and willingness to work hard their decision to start a new life would work out for the best.

David was the first one move to New Zealand in January 2019 to secure a job and finance the move of the rest of the family. His dedication paid off and finally, after being separated from his wife and children for 8 months, the family was reunited in their new home in New Zealand in September 2019. The plan was for David to continue working and for Juan to find a job as soon as possible to help support the family financially and set up their new life in New Zealand. 

Unfortunately within 1 month of moving to New Zealand, Juan was unexpectedly diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. This turned their lives and their plans for the future upside down. Juan has been fortunate enough to receive treatment in New Zealand without financially being burdened for the payment of these treatments. Although the initial treatment of radiation and chemotherapy appeared to be working well, unfortunately, several months after the initial treatment it appeared that the cancer had spread and the specialists had given advice that further treatment would not be able to stop the spread of the cancer. The only option given was to continue chemo to slow down the spread, to increase life expectancy. Juan has opted to go with the treatment and has been receiving chemotherapy since. 

It is extremely hard for David and Juan and their family to remain positive under such harsh circumstances. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to change the situation Juan and David are finding themselves in. However emotional and financial support would make a big difference. The financial stress that the family finds itself in is a burden they shouldn’t be facing alone. It’s an additional cause of continuous stress. At the moment their greatest concern is to find funds to pay for the visa’s they need to continue to stay in New Zealand. Visa costs for the family amount to thousands of dollars which they currently don’t have. We are asking for help to raise funds to relieve their immediate financial burden of visa costs for David and Juan’s family to be allowed to stay in New Zealand. Any help is much appreciated!