New Plymouth cancer survivor gives back on 21st birthday

‘Surviving and thriving’ is the motto that Jorja Murray has lived by all her life.  

On Friday 21 April, Jorja celebrated her 21st birthday, and her birthday wish was that her family and friends made donations to Child Cancer Foundation in lieu of presents.  

It’s a cause that is close to Jorja’s heart, having been diagnosed with a stage 4 neuroblastoma as a one-year-old.  

Her family spent more than a year travelling to and from Starship hospital for treatment. The effects of treatment left Jorja with high-pitch hearing loss.  

Now in her third year at Victoria University, majoring in English literature and minoring in NZ Sign Language, Jorja continues to thrive and is working towards becoming an English teacher.  

Jorja has fond memories of the support her family has received from Child Cancer Foundation throughout her life, including their annual Christmas parties and meeting with other families.  

“It was so comforting to meet other kids that were facing similar challenges,” says Jorja. “My parents are also very grateful for the support they have received, which helped them recognise that they weren’t on this journey alone.”  

When Jorja was deciding how to celebrate her 21st birthday, she said it was a “no-brainer” to turn it in to an event to raise funds and awareness for Child Cancer Foundation.  

“It’s my way of honouring those that have supported me along the way,” she says.