13-year-old cancer sufferer Mia O’Donoghue has one wish: to make an appearance on our best-loved drama, Shortland Street.
Mia was contacted by Make-A-Wish this week after news of her, and her family’s plight, made headlines last weekend.
A Givealittle page was created by Mia’s aunt to help raise funds for her treatment. It says Mia has melanoma, and now suffers from lymphoedema, as the result of the removal of her lymph nodes after the cancer was found to have spread.
The family also suffered further tragedy earlier this year when Mia’s father, Greg Goodwin died after an 18-month battle with bowel cancer.
Mia O’Donoghue. Photo: Supplied via Givealittle.co.nz
Mia’s mother Celia O’Donoghue now raises four children on her own. While she works part time, the costs of Mia’s ongoing treatment is a struggle for the solo mum.
O’Donoghue told NZME she has been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and kind strangers. Donations have been pouring into the Givealittle page which has now raised more than $33,115.
“The response has been brilliant. I am so grateful,” O’Donoghue said.
On top of donations to help with Mia’s medical costs, the family has also received many offers of support.
O’Donoghue has been contacted by mole mapping services in both Auckland and Mt Maunganui who’ve said they would give Mia’s whole family free skin checks.
Netball NZ has also stepped up and will pay Mia’s netball fees for the season. On top of that Mia will also be sent a special gift pack from the Silver Ferns this week.
Make-A-Wish has been in touch with the family, and Mia asked if it was possible for her to make a background appearance on the iconic show.
Donations to Mia’s Givealittle page can be made here.
