Community Rallies for Young Cancer Patient Hugo Donaldson

A community in Beachlands, New Zealand, is uniting to support 11-year-old Hugo Donaldson, who requires potentially life-saving medical treatment for a rare form of cancer. Hugo is battling Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a condition that affects only one to three children in New Zealand each year. To fund his treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, the family has set a fundraising goal of $500,000.

Residents have been contributing generously to Hugo’s online fundraising page, Givealittle. As of November 8, 2023, the campaign has raised $397,145 from 5,875 donors within just 26 days. The outpouring of support reflects the community’s commitment to helping the Donaldson family navigate this challenging time.

Art Exhibition to Fundraise for Treatment

This weekend, supporters have the opportunity to contribute further by attending a pop-up gallery showcasing the photography of Hugo’s mother, Samantha Donaldson. The event, organized by local resident Kate Riley, will be held on November 14 and 15 at The Shed, Ray White, located at 81 Second View Avenue, Beachlands.

Riley describes Samantha as a “phenomenally talented photographer” whose works are elegantly printed on professional art paper. Available prints will range from A4-sized pieces starting at $40 to larger, framed options. Attendees can also place orders for various sizes on-site. Riley adds, “Even though the pop-up gallery is running to raise important money for Hugo, we want people to see the event as a time to come together and enjoy the work of an incredibly talented photographer who just happens to be our very own local and friend.”

Hugo’s Medical Journey

Hugo has recently been accepted into a pioneering clinical trial at Texas Children’s Hospital, led by Dr. David Steffin, Associate Chief of the Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant Programme. He is one of only eight children worldwide eligible for this unique treatment involving CAR T-cell therapy, designed specifically for solid tumors.

“This trial represents his best and perhaps only chance at survival,” says his father, Aaron Donaldson. With conventional treatments proving ineffective, the family is hopeful that this innovative approach will offer a breakthrough.

Dr. Steffin emphasizes the significance of this trial, stating, “What makes this approach so promising is that the specific marker we target exists on tumor cells but not on healthy tissue, which allows us to attack the cancer without causing unnecessary harm.” The clinical trial is the only one of its kind globally for treating solid tumors, and the outcomes have shown promising results.

Despite having medical insurance, the Donaldson family faces substantial financial challenges as their policy does not cover treatment abroad. They have explored various options, including withdrawing funds from their KiwiSaver retirement accounts, extending their mortgage, and selling personal assets. Without continued public support, they fear that Hugo may miss the chance to receive this critical treatment in a timely manner.

Hugo’s treatment, while free as part of the trial, requires upfront payments for travel and living expenses in the U.S. This reality underscores the urgency of their fundraising efforts.

To contribute to Hugo Donaldson’s cause, donations can be made through his Givealittle page at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/the-donaldsons-continue-to-fight. The community’s commitment, coupled with events like the pop-up gallery, exemplifies the spirit of unity and support as they rally around this brave young boy in his fight against cancer.