Doug for Life

I am deeply saddened to advise you all that Doug passed away today at Waipuna Hospice, with Fiona by his side.

Doug remained determined to win his fight against this awful cancer, and managed to stay positive and strong for his family right to the end.

His goal was to continue with the next Keytruda treatment but sadly, time did not allow this.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity in supporting Doug on this journey, it is greatly appreciated. I would like to keep this page open as a support to Fiona, William and Ryan.

I am so sorry to be the bearer of such sad news. Any correspondance can be emailed to Fiona at fionandoug@xtra.co.nz.

Rest in peace Doug. You will be missed and remain in our hearts. xxx

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Doug is 46 years old and married to Fiona. They have two sons William (9) and Ryan (6).

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In July 2014, Doug was diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer. He had chemotherapy and his cancer responded well. In July this year the cancer has come back. Doug had another round of chemotherapy and this time the cancer didn’t respond.

This week Doug will start chemotherapy which his cancer hasn’t seen before. If the cancer doesn’t respond to this chemotherapy, Doug will have under a year to live, but if he tries Pembrolizumab and the cancer responds, it could give him years.

Please help support Doug and his family get the treatment he needs.

Pharmac does not currently fund Pembrolizumab here in New Zealand; therefore it comes with a price tag.

On the TVNZ ONE Sunday programme (November 8th) it featured a documentary on Pembrolizumab, which you can watch on demand.

You can also sign a petition to get Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) funded here in New Zealand.

https://www.change.org/p/pharmac-fund-keytruda-for-cancer-patients