The family of two little New Zealand girls, who lost both their parents to cancer within the same week, has offered an update on their condition following an outpouring of public support and sympathy. The girls, aged just four and eight, were left orphaned when their parents Nigel and Marjan Joyce died within six days of each other after both were diagnosed with cancer within the past two years.
“We would also like you all to know that the girls continue to be loved and cared for by the family, as they work through this difficult period and move into the next phase of our lives.” Joyce ended the message with “Kia kaha”, a Māori phrase meaning “stay strong”. The family’s nightmare started when Nigel was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and then, shortly after, Marjan was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.