2nd Time Unlucky - Family Struck by Cancer Again!

Paul and Michelle have been happily married for 22 years and have been blessed with 3 lovely children, Jade, William and Charlie. However, there was a time when this did not seem possible. Paul was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1999, not long after the birth of daughter Jade. More kids looked unlikely and the condition was also life threatening. Being the fighter he is, and with loving support from Michelle, Paul was able to win this battle.

Fast forward 20 years and two more children to October 2019. Paul now finds himself battling cancer again, having been diagnosed this time with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma (a serious brain tumour). Unfortunately, the prognosis is not good: inoperable & incurable.

Paul and Michelle are hard working people: Paul is a maintenance services field officer and Michelle has been a teacher in the East Auckland area for 8 years.

Now they have some worries and not just about Paul's health and how long he can enjoy being with his family. There are serious financial issues to consider. First, Paul is unlikely to be able to work again. Also, Michelle is taking extended time off to look after Paul and has already used nearly all her paid sick leave. To add to their worries, Paul was never able to get insurance after his testicular cancer. Then there is the issue of potential drug treatments which offer some hope, but which are not funded by Pharmac, e.g. Avastin, which can cost as much as $35,000 every 6 months. In the meantime, the rent continues to be due every week, the two younger kids need looking after and some debt incurred visiting Paul's terminally ill friend in the UK recently needs to be repaid.

Good people, just needing a little help! Any donation you can manage, no matter the size, will help!