UoA PhD Graduate Honors Sister's 14-Year Cancer Battle: Emotional Completion Amid Pandemic Challenges

Luis Medrano Gomez crossed the stage at the University of Auckland's graduation ceremony on May 4, 2026, marking not just the culmination of his Doctor of Philosophy in architecture and planning, but a profound tribute to his younger sister Hany. Twelve years his junior, Hany fought a relentless 14-year battle against cancer, a journey that profoundly shaped Luis's path. From Mexico to the United States and finally New Zealand, the family's story intertwined personal tragedy with academic perseverance, highlighting the resilience required to complete a doctoral degree amid global disruptions.

A Brother's Unwavering Bond

The connection between Luis and Hany began long before her diagnosis. When Hany was born in Mexico, Luis, then 12 years old, had already bonded with her during his mother's pregnancy, playing music against her belly and speaking to the unborn child. He describes her not merely as a sister, but almost like a daughter, given their age gap. Hany's infectious smile and kind spirit captivated everyone she met, earning her the nickname of an 'angel' from friends and strangers alike.

This bond became the family's anchor when, at age seven, Hany received her first cancer diagnosis around 2013. What followed was a decade-and-a-half odyssey of treatments, remissions, and relapses. The family uprooted their lives, seeking care in top facilities in Los Angeles, enduring chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple terminal prognoses. Luis put his architecture studies on hold to support his mother Luisa, who devoted 15 years to Hany's care, pausing her own life entirely.

The Fight That Defined a Family

Hany's cancer journey was marked by extraordinary resilience. Despite repeated returns of the disease, she maintained her joyful demeanor, encouraging Luis to pursue his dreams even in her final days. In April 2024, the cancer struck aggressively once more, with doctors giving her just 10 weeks. Luis suspended his PhD studies for three months to be by her side, creating cherished memories: trips to Disneyland, beach swims, fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, jigsaw puzzles, games of Monopoly and Rummy, a visit to Solvang, and even a celebration in Las Vegas for her 21st birthday, complete with her first margarita and casino visit.

Hany passed away on July 17, 2024. Amid grief, Luis channeled his pain into completing his thesis, submitting it exactly one year later on what would have been her 22nd birthday. 'She was the most wonderful person I’ve ever met,' Luis reflects. 'My first motivation to study a PhD was to be able to help my sister and my mum.' Today, he honors that promise to his mother while keeping Hany's memory alive.

From Mexico to Auckland: The Road to Doctoral Studies

Luis's academic journey started in Mexico with a bachelor's and master's in architecture. After working three years in New York, he applied for global doctoral scholarships. In 2020, the University of Auckland offered him one in the School of Architecture and Planning—just as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world. Undeterred, Luis began his first year remotely from the US, without his stipend due to border closures, facing financial strain but encouraged by supportive supervisors.

His research delved into socio-technical evaluations of residential retrofits in Aotearoa New Zealand, examining how government-funded programs can better align shallow retrofit measures—like insulation—with household practices to enhance energy efficiency, warmth, and occupant wellbeing. As a member of the Future Cities Research Centre, Luis's work addresses New Zealand's ageing housing stock, where many homes remain cold and damp despite interventions. Publications such as 'When retrofit programmes meet everyday life' underscore the need to integrate social practices with technical upgrades to close the energy performance gap.

Pandemic Barriers for International PhD Candidates

The global health crisis posed unprecedented challenges for international doctoral students at New Zealand universities, including the University of Auckland. Border restrictions prevented physical arrival, forcing offshore study without full funding access. Luis completed his initial year income-less, weighing suspension but persisting due to supervisor guidance.The university advocated for exemptions, securing spots for 250 PhD students in late 2020, with Luis gaining his in mid-2022—giving him just four weeks to relocate.

Upon arrival, managed isolation and restrictions compounded isolation from family. Studies show such disruptions affected mental health and progress; the University of Auckland responded with fee waivers for impacted PhD students enrolled pre-August 2021 and wellbeing plans. Nationally, PhD completion times extended, but support like doctoral scholarships matching domestic fees for internationals helped retention.

Navigating Grief and Research in Aotearoa

Settling in Auckland, Luis cycled the city's paths to cope, immersing in research on post-occupancy evaluations. His work highlights how retrofits must consider occupant behavior to mitigate rebound effects and improve thermal comfort—critical in New Zealand, where cold, damp homes contribute to health issues like respiratory diseases.

Hany's terminal diagnosis pulled him back to the US, suspending studies amid emotional turmoil: anger, hopelessness, sadness. 'It was so difficult being far away,' he recalls of the flight home. Post-loss, grief intensified thesis revisions, yet submission on her birthday symbolized closure. Luisa's presence at graduation, her pride palpable, underscored family triumph.

UoA's Role in Fostering Resilience

The University of Auckland's support was pivotal: scholarships, exemption advocacy, and flexible supervision enabled Luis's success as the first PhD in his family. Broader initiatives, like the Doctoral Fees Free period for COVID-affected students, mitigated financial burdens. UoA's School of Architecture and Planning excels in sustainable urbanism, aligning with Luis's contributions to national housing goals.

PhD completion rates at UoA remain strong, with 31% of research degree funding tied to completions. Pandemic-era adaptations ensured continuity, benefiting diverse cohorts including internationals like Luis from Mexico.

Cancer's Shadow Over New Zealand Families

Hany's story echoes challenges faced by many Kiwi families. New Zealand projects 45,100 annual cancer cases by 2040-44, up from current levels, per Te Aho o Te Kahu's 2025 report. While Luis's research targets housing-health links indirectly—cold homes exacerbate illnesses—UoA leads in oncology, tackling high melanoma rates (world's highest) and ovarian cancer diagnostics.

Lessons in Perseverance for Aspiring Researchers

Luis's journey offers insights for PhD candidates: leverage supervisor support, prioritize mental health, and find purpose in adversity. New Zealand universities provide robust frameworks, from scholarships to wellbeing services, aiding completion despite hurdles. Future Cities Research Centre exemplifies collaborative impact, positioning UoA graduates to address pressing issues like climate-resilient housing.

Photo by Courtney Wentz on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Legacy and New Horizons

Post-graduation, Luis plans day trips with Luisa to Waiheke Island and Tiritiri Matangi, celebrating survival. His retrofit expertise could inform Kiwi policies, where government programs prioritize insulation amid rising energy costs. Hany's legacy endures in his dedication: 'She always had a smile... everyone used to say she had an angel.'

For those eyeing doctoral paths at UoA or NZ unis, stories like Luis's affirm that amid pandemics, grief, and borders, passion prevails—bolstered by institutional commitment to student success.