Critical $450,000 surgery needed for aggressive brain tumour

Summary

Amelia 'Meels' Branson, a 27-year-old Canadian-Kiwi, is battling an aggressive brain tumour, diagnosed when she was just 23. Her mom, Susan Nelson, and her dad, Bill Branson, are living every parent’s worst nightmare, and we are determined to mobilize our collective networks to support them.

After undergoing multiple surgeries and radiation therapy, the tumour has tragically returned, requiring a critical surgery on February 24 that costs $315,000 USD. Her family has already self-funded some of her treatments, but we are now seeking donations to help them cover a portion of the expenses for this life-saving procedure. A fundraising goal of $75,000 USD has been set to help with the costs. Despite the immense challenges, Amelia remains determined to live life to the fullest, and any contribution - whether financial or through sharing her story would mean the world to her and her loved ones. ($1 CAD is approximately $1.20 NZD).

Story

In 2021, celebrations were in full swing as Amelia, the Canadian-born 'Kiwi,' graduated with a business degree from the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

However less than two years later, at 23, her plans to work on super yachts in Europe were abruptly put on hold after she began experiencing severe headaches, leading to the diagnosis of a rare and aggressive Grade 3 meningioma brain tumour. Within two weeks, Amelia underwent two life-saving surgeries in just seven days, followed by six weeks of intensive radiation therapy. The second surgery was made even more difficult as New Zealand’s COVID-19 lockdown kept her family outside the hospital. Despite the hardships, she returned to her family, friends, and boyfriend, McKenzie Lunt in Rotorua, New Zealand determined to live life to the fullest.

When the tumour returned in late 2022, UCSF, a world leader in treating meningiomas, gave Amelia hope with a cutting-edge Gamma Knife procedure that was not available to her in New Zealand. Amelia’s family self-funded the $100,000 USD ($150,000 CAD, $175,000 NZD) treatment, which allowed her to resume her vibrant life. Since then, Amelia has been thriving, dividing her time between the two countries she calls home, allowing her to stay close to family on both continents.

Sadly, while in New Zealand to celebrate this past Christmas, Amelia received the devastating news that the tumour had returned. UCSF has recommended another invasive surgery and radiation that is scheduled for February 24 in San Francisco. The procedure offers Amelia her best chance for survival and a future, but the cost is staggering: $315,000 USD. At the current exchange rate, that puts the total at over $450,000 CAD or $550,000 NZD.

This surgery is critical not only to save Amelia’s life but also to buy time for advancements in the treatment of this aggressive tumour. UCSF’s expertise in treating and researching meningiomas offers hope for a future where such tumours can be managed effectively.

Our Goal

We aim to raise as much as possible to support Amelia and her family through this journey. A fundraising goal of $75,000 USD ($110,000 CAD) has been set to help cover the costs of this critical surgery that will give her the fighting chance she deserves. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a real difference for this bright, bubbly young woman who refuses to give up, despite the unfair cards she’s been dealt.

If you’re not in a position to donate please share this campaign with your networks - your support, in any form, means the world.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your thoughts, prayers, and generosity. Help us to ensure Amelia has every opportunity to make her dreams for her future possible.

*Please note that since this campaign is being created in Canada with proceeds being deposited into Amelia’s Canadian bank account, all donations will be processed in Canadian dollars.