Support Mark & Nia Through Incurable Brain Cancer

Hi, I’m Holly and I’m sharing this on behalf of my sister Nia and her fiancé Mark; two of the best people I know, who are currently walking through something no one ever imagines they would have to.

In November 2024, Mark (36) had a series of unexpected, scary seizures. A scan revealed a large malignant brain tumour, something no one saw coming. It was an unimaginable moment that turned our worlds completely upside down.

We feared the worst in those coming hours and days...

A few weeks later, Mark bravely underwent an intense 10-hour brain surgery in Amsterdam. We were told to expect loss of speech, movement, or memory but in true Mark spirit, he amazed us all by walking out of the hospital just five days later with a beaming smile and paired with his typical positive energy.

We were so grateful for this small miracle but the journey ahead is steep.

Mark’s tumour is incurable and while the surgery gave him a fighting chance, it cannot remove what remains. His diagnosis brings not only a shortened life expectancy, but also the weight of living with increasing risks to his quality of life. This has been and is a lot for Mark, Nia and our families to absorb. It’s been the most challenging time in our lives.

Right now, instead of planning for children or for their wedding which was due to happen next month Mark is undergoing 33 rounds of radiation treatment, followed by 9 months of chemotherapy. The goal is to slow the tumour’s growth in the hopes of extending Mark’s life but it’s a long, uncertain road filled with daily challenges and struggles.

Nia has currently stopped working to become Mark’s full-time caregiver. As a freelancer, this means no income or sick leave. While Mark receives some support from the Dutch system, it’s not nearly enough to cover the financial and emotional burden they’re carrying.

That’s why we’re asking for your help; to lift some of the load, to allow them to focus on what matter during this time which is recovery and healing.

Your support will go toward the things that truly make a difference, but fall outside the scope of standard / traditionally care:

These are no longer considered luxuries they are essential acts of care, helping them find steadiness in a storm.

“We’re facing the hardest chapter of our lives. What’s getting us through is love and our community. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to us, but we are learning that leaning on others is its own kind of strength. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.” – Nia & Mark

We continue to be in awe of their love, strength and positive mindsets during this time. If you’re able to support whether a little or a lot it brings ease, hope, and practical care in a time when everything feels uncertain.

Our families are doing all we can, but we’ve realised that healing like this requires a community and we are frequently asked ‘what can we do to support Mark and Nia right now?’

Please share, donate, or simply hold them in your thoughts.

With deep gratitude and love,

Holly