Linda Kahui, 65, has been looking after her 41-year-old daughter Melanie from the day she was born - something most parents don't need to do.
But Melanie is intellectually handicapped and has a mentality similar to a 12-year-old, Kahui said. To make matters harder for the family, a couple of months ago Melanie was diagnosed with brain cancer.
"[It was] horrible because she's my life, you know? I have looked after her from day one," Kahui said. "It really affected me."
On top of dealing with the heartbreaking news and already caring for Melanie, Kahui has to take her to get radiation treatment.
There are no hand-outs available from the Government for situations like her's, she says.
The pair from Taranaki have to travel over two hours to Palmerston North and almost an hour to New Plymouth to see three different specialists, costing a tremendous amount of money on fuel.
Cancer Society NZ helped them pay for a trip to the hospital and accommodation, but other than that they are on their own.
The cost of gas, food, accommodation and things to keep Mel comfy is taking a toll on Kahui.
Melanie's brother has started a crowd fundraising page on MyCause to help Melanie and her mother through this tough time
Kahui said she would love to be able to take Melanie on holiday anywhere in New Zealand.
"She has never, ever gone on a holiday."
The page has raised almost $2000 at time of publishing.
