Dunedin boy Noah Dobier has begun a new round of treatment after previously diagnosed and treated acute lymphoblastic leukaemia returned. The Balaclava School "trooper" was rushed to Christchurch Hospital last month, where doctors discovered a combined leukaemia relapse — cancer in his bone marrow and spinal fluid. "We just felt really overwhelmed and devastated ... this time it’s a lot more aggressive," Mrs Dobier said. "They call it a combined [leukaemia] relapse because it’s in his bone marrow and his spinal fluid," Mrs Dobier said. "All the boys are starting to sign up for rugby ... because he’s older, he knows he can’t do that stuff now," Mrs Dobier said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 19, 2026 11:52 UTC