Abi Johnston, who had her daughter Lailah in the middle of her cancer treatment, says she's excited for the Cancer Society's Northland Cancer Lodge.
Abi Johnston, who had her daughter Lailah in the middle of her cancer treatment, says she's excited for the Cancer Society's Northland Cancer Lodge.
A young Whangārei mum diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant is backing the new Northland Cancer Lodge.
The Cancer Society Northland Auckland is working through council building consent processes for the $22.5 million lodge, to be built on Hospital Rd in Whangārei.
When open in 2027, the 20-bedroom lodge willprovide accommodation and support spaces for Northland cancer patients getting treatment at Whangārei Hospital’s Jim Carney Cancer Centre.
This will include those attending the new $60.9m radiation oncology facility, with a linear accelerator (linac) machine, which Health NZ is due to open in July 2026.
It will be the first time Northland cancer patients have been able to access radiation therapy in their region, with most travelling to Auckland and staying at the Cancer Society’s Domain Lodge during their treatment.
Johnston was 6 months pregnant, with the locally advanced cancer diagnosis shattering what should have been one of the happiest times for her and husband Broc.
She began chemotherapy within days, welcomed their daughter Lilah mid‑treatment, and later underwent more chemotherapy, radiation treatment and a mastectomy.
Johnston said being far from home made an already overwhelming experience even harder.
Today, Johnston is well. Her scans are clear, Lilah is thriving and she feels grateful for how far her family has come.
Today, Whangārei's Abi Johnston and her daughter Lilah are thriving but Johnston knows having her cancer treatment in Northland would have made life easier.
Cancer Society Northland regional manager Charli Timms said community support will help build more than just a lodge, helping strengthen cancer care in Northland for years to come.
“This lodge is a place of compassion, dignity, and connection. It will ease stress for patients and their whānau, keeping families together during one of life’s hardest journeys.”
The Northland Cancer Lodge will not only have 20 modern bedroom suites, it will include supportive communal spaces and a welcoming environment inspired by Auckland’s Domain Lodge.
People can donate directly or choose to fundraise in their own way, she said.
This year’s Northland Relay For Life at Trigg Stadium, on March 21, offers a way for the community to get involved, with funds raised going to the lodge.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
