The Great Barrier Island community is being asked to support one of its own as Mulberry Grove School principal Ally Gibbs faces a battle with cancer. After years of supporting local students and families, a Givealittle page has been launched to help Gibbs access a treatment not currently funded in New Zealand.
Her niece, Jess Graham, pleaded with the community to help rally around her “during a very tough time.” Graham described her aunt as “one of the most warm-hearted, funny and genuinely good humans you could ever meet” who has “touched so many lives through her kindness, leadership and care.”
Following chemotherapy and radiotherapy, medical teams have recommended a treatment called Durvalumab. The drug offers real hope and the potential to cure the cancer, but comes with a massive price tag because it is not currently funded by Pharmac. While medical insurance will cover the administration costs, the drug itself costs about $16,000 per month. Her team is hoping that cost might be reduced to around $60,000 per year.
The campaign, titled “Rallying together to help beloved principal Ally Gibbs access life-saving cancer treatment,” highlights the reality of New Zealand’s funding gaps. Gibbs will need monthly infusions for the next two years. Graham notes that for someone who has spent her life helping others, “asking for help doesn’t come easily” but “this treatment could change everything.”
Donations can be made through the Givealittle platform, where the family hopes the community she has served will now stand behind her. Graham said even small contributions matter, noting “every contribution no matter how small helps bring this life-saving treatment within reach.” If you can donate or share the page, she says “it would mean the world to Ally and her whānau.” Donate Here.
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Thank you so much for sharing this!!!! ❤️ Jess
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