Willy’s Story

Willy was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic neuroblastoma (a really rare cancer) when he was just 4.

His mum, Sarah, told us how they spent most of the next 18 months getting treatment in Christchurch, away from their home in Nelson.

In November 2022 Willy developed neutropenic sepsis as a complication from chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, and he was airlifted to Starship Hospital. He spent about three weeks up there, and it was really touch and go. Heartbreakingly, Sarah explains that they were told he probably wouldn’t make it twice.

But on his fifth birthday, Willy somehow turned a corner, and they were able to take his ventilator out.

The photos shared here are a few days later, boarding the Flying Doctor service that transferred them back to Christchurch Hospital.

“We’re absolutely exhausted and in complete disbelief but were very happy to head back to Christchurch.

One of the nurses who had worked on Will the night he had been airlifted to Starship even cried when she realised Willy was back and doing OK.”

Willy is now 6 and doing amazing. He’s thriving in school and has been cancer-free for six months.

As I write this story Willy is 3 days away from having a go at his first Weet-bix Tryathlon and is so excited about earning a medal like his big brother!

Willy was VERY stoked with his airplane plushy which he is still very proud of!