Sara has fought ovarian cancer for nine years as a single mum and teacher. Help us give her choices for whatever comes next
Auckland
My sister Sara has been fighting ovarian cancer for nine years. She has worked as a teacher and single mum to her two boys through every single one of those years, through five rounds of chemo, major surgeries, and everything in between…and she has never once asked for help.
Sara was diagnosed in 2017 with a 35% chance of surviving five years. She made it, but one month later, the cancer came back. It has now come back four more times, four years in a row.
Just two days ago, she had one of the most radical abdominal operations with 11 hours in surgery. It is not a cure, but it is her best chance of more time. Sara is very close to her sons and wants to see them build their lives. She is not ready to stop being their mum.
But there are no reserves left. As she recovers from this surgery, she will be left with no savings, no sick leave, nothing to fall back on.
We are raising $150,000 (£65,000) so that when the next decision comes, and it will come quickly, finances are not what makes it.
Funds will go towards ongoing unfunded chemotherapy, health insurance, income if Sara needs to reduce her hours, future surgery and clinical trials, and the experiences that make life worth living.
Sara turns 50 in October. When she was diagnosed we did not know if she would get here.
Let's give her the best birthday present anyone could offer…choices.
If you can donate, thank you. And please share.
$50NZ = £20 approx.
Thank you for taking the time to read Sara’s story.🩷
Joanna and family x
I'm Joanna, Sara's big sister. Sara is the most resilient, inspiring person I know. Our whole family lives in the UK and Sara lives in New Zealand - the distance has been one of the hardest parts of all of this.
Ongoing chemotherapy unfunded by Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora
Private health insurance
Support to reduce her hours or stop working during treatment
Future surgery, clinical trials and unfunded medications
Experiences that make life worth living
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