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Andrew Vs Cancer - Episode V - Avastin Strikes Back

  • Update about Andrew

      30 November 2021
    Main image

    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew John Speir at 9.50pm on Wednesday 24th November 2021 from complications attributing to his diagnoses of stage 4 metastatic Bowel Cancer in late 2019. His family was by his side the whole way. We simply cannot put into words how incredibly missed he will be as a son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend.

    We would like to thank everybody for your very generous donations to help fund Andrew's cancer treatment. Because of your kindness, we were able to have 2 incredible years with him. They were filled with moments of difficulty and sadness as we saw Andrew struggle with his illness, although in true Andrew fashion, he never complained. Most importantly, we were able to have time to create cherished memories, including him being able to meet his niece Elliot who he adored so much.

    As most of you know, Andrew was a strong advocate for better funding of cancer treatments. He has requested that any money left over from this fund be donated to that cause so that in future, people will not be put in the same position he was.

    Once again, thank you.

    From

    The Speir Family

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  • Drug Change

      5 August 2021

    Hey Everyone

    Unfortunately Avastin has run its course for me and I have been moved on to Cetuximab and Encorafenib which are considerably more expensive. The cetuximab is on the pharmac list so fingers crossed it will get funded soon!

    Thank you all for your continued support.

    Love Andrew

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  • POSSIBLE LAW CHANGE

      9 April 2021

    Hello there!

    I would to thank you all for you generous donations ... You are champions!

    Dr Shane Reti has put a bill in the members ballot that... If passed by the government ...would mean I would no longer need to ask you for money. If we can can get 61 MPs to back it, it would come straight out of the ballot and moved to a reading.

    Here is an article I was featured in that covers my story and others as well as the possible law change.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300264508/proposed-law-change-for-cancer-drugs-to-be-administered-in-public-system-a-gamechanger?cid=app-android

    Have a read

    Contact your local MP

    Love you all

    Andrew

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  • I have added a target

      7 February 2021

    Hello there!

    A few people have been asking how much I actually need so I have added the target of 45k which will help me receive one year of treatment.

    It is quite upsetting that this drugs helps so many yet can't be funded for that very reason.

    PHARMAC needs more funding and we need to pressure the government to do it. Increasing that funding would help SO many people... Not just cancer sufferers.

    Thanks for listening and thank you to everyone who has donated... You are overwhelmingly generous and kind.

    Lots of love

    Andrew

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