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Cancer drug fundraising for Shirley

$32,453 of $66,000 goal
Given by 169 generous donors in around 12 months

Raising funds for Shirley for Avastin drug to treat ovarian cancer

Tauranga South, Tauranga

My name is Shirley and I was diagnosed with stage four terminal high grade ovarian serous cancer in 2017 when fluid was discovered on my lungs. When diagnosed the prognosis was dire with a 6% statistical chance of living to five years in this country.

My teenagers were devastated to hear I had a short life expectancy. They have no father to call on.

Chemo from treatment of cancer initially took my hair, ruined my career and the cancer left me and my children traumatized. The trauma still remains.

Currently I have become allergic to the chemotherapy that is keeping me alive and this is the only type available in New Zealand that will help me. Luckily I have been able to combat this with a hypersensitivity protocol. How long this will continue to work is unknown and herein lies the problem. Time is running out.

For those with health insurance there is another expensive drug available but unfortunately I have no health insurance. If we can raise enough funds for this drug called Avastin it will help me remain cancer free for a longer period of time. It’s not a cure but it gives my family and I more time to spend together.

My children have asked me to set up a Give A Little Page to go towards funding this drug. Anything you can donate will help us. Without your help I will likely be struggling to live much longer without a miracle and I want to stay alive as long as possible for the sake of my son and daughter.

Thank you for caring.

Use of funds

Updated: Funds will be used for NAB Paclitaxel, please see update: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/cancer-drug-fundraising-for-shirley/updates/ed67520f

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The money will be spent on Avastin drug. If I don't meet the target the money will be able to be spent on a certain amount of the drug or failing that if the amount is lower alternative medications and cheap repurposed drugs.

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Latest update

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Re opening of page  3 November 2024

I am reopening the page as Avastin did not work for cancer although your funds did help immensely as I was able to have NAB Paclitaxel. Thank you. I have been on NAB Paclitaxel for about three months. Normally paclitaxel is second line treatment for ovarian cancer, my type of cancer, but due to severe reaction to the solvents in the funded treatment it is imperative I have NAB paclitaxel which is not made from harmful solvents and not funded. NAB is helping to push my cancer markers down and keep me alive. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

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Latest donations

Steve
Steve 16 hours ago
$50
Lorraine
Lorraine 21 hours ago
Woodhouse you well
$50
Lisa
Lisa 23 hours ago
Thinking of you Shirley!
$50
Guest Donor
Guest Donor 1 day ago
$25
Carolyn
Carolyn 1 day ago
Hugs
$20

Who's involved?

Shirley Ryder's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Shirley Ryder
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This campaign started on 19 Nov 2023 and ends on 8 May 2025.