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Cash for Ash - Join us in supporting Ash through her cancer journey

  • An update from the Barretts

      28 November 2025
    Posted by: Ashley Barrett
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    And we have some good news to share going into the kiwi summer ☀️

    I feel energised and settled, which is so very different to the exhausted and sad human I was last year. Olaparib is smashing it - it has allowed me to take on more work, travel to see family, and spend less of Barrett's weekends doing my nanna naps!

    We really don't know how to demonstrate our gratitude to everyone who has donated, shared the link, and given us their positive thoughts. We are in the position we are today purely because of the immense support we have behind us.

    The most recent results: My cancer markers are stable at the lowest they have ever been, my ct results are also looking good, and I have been moved from frequent monitoring to appointments every 3 months.

    We have enough money for three more cycles of the medication, which in theory should leave two more cycles to figure out.

    Thank you and aroha nui x

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  • A quick update: I am 35!

      8 June 2025
    Posted by: Ashley Barrett
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    Kia ora to our friends, family and cheerleaders.

    I just wanted to give a quick update on how we are going. To be honest, I am feeling the best I have felt in a long while. We are about to start Month 4 of the new medication, and my cancer markers are stable. My bloods are also all looking hella good, which is a relief given it is often my bloods that determine the end to my medication plan.

    When I was told in January 2023 that my cancer had returned and it was terminal, I was given some statistics on how long I likely have - the answer was not long, even with treatment. After this conversation, I made it my goal to see through my 35th birthday. I am grateful to the people who stand in our corner because this week I reached my goal, and given how I feel today, I hope to make it a fair few more years.

    Thank you and aroha nui x

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  • The ball is now rolling!

      26 March 2025
    Posted by: Ashley Barrett
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    Kia ora friends and whanau,

    We just wanted to share some good news: after an incredibly expensive visit to the pharmacy, I have started taking Olaparib today. These pills are big, and I find myself feeling very aware of how expensive each tablet works out at ($78.70 per tablet, so $314.80 per day) - so if you see me closely clutching my handbag with a paranoid grip, you know why.

    With the current medication costs, Barrett and I officially have enough to cover the first year of treatment. I don't think I will ever have enough words available to express how grateful and lucky we are to have the love and support of our communities. Your support is giving me time. Thank you for your healing words, thank you for your encouragement and kindness, and thank you for buying me more time to watch some more grey hairs make their home on Barrett's temples.

    Over the coming months I hope to be able to share some more positive updates on our journey.

    Aroha nui,

    Ashley

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  • New results and a plan

      3 March 2025
    Posted by: Ashley Barrett
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    Kia ora to our friends, family and cheerleaders! I thought I would share an update with you all on where we are at.

    In preparation for beginning the new treatment, I did a baseline CT scan a few weeks back. The results demonstrated that the cancer in my bones and liver has remained stable. This result is heartening and is supported by my cancer marker staying low.

    However, Cancer is fickle.

    It looks like something may be happening in my ovaries now. This means referrals to different oncologists and more scans over the coming weeks. The question we are asking: is this breast cancer, or is this ovarian cancer? (or, and man I really hope this is the case, perhaps not cancer at all?)

    The good news is that the unfunded medication I need is also effective against ovarian cancer. So, we are staying the course. The plan is to begin the cost-share Olaparib treatment in three weeks.

    For your viewing pleasure, I have popped up a graph of my cancer marker - the fact that the marker is holding stable shows that the IV Chemo did its job.

    Barrett and I have been having a difficult and anxiety-filled time of late – thank you very much for staying in our corner while we fight x

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  • A heartfelt thank you

      9 January 2025
    Posted by: Ashley Barrett

    Kia ora to our friends, family and cheerleaders. Barrett and I are truly blown away by your generosity and support. It is impossible to put into words how incredibly thankful and lucky we are to have such amazing people standing in our corner.

    The next oncology appointment is scheduled for late January, and we will be able to give you all an update on the Olaparib start date. As the page currently stands, through your kindness we are just about covered for the first year, which is a massive, massive help.

    From the bottom of our hearts, thank you x

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    • 27/03/2025 by Geeta

      It is heartening to know about your progress.. I wish you all the best.and as always will keep

      You in our prayers. Don’t hesitate to contact me directly for any help at any time ❤️