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Help With Craig Ireland's Chemo Costs

  • End of experimental trial

      10 September 2025

    Unfortunately, after three months of treatment under the experimental drug BG-C477, Craig's tumours have grown beyond expectations and he can no longer continue with the drug trial. We were once again told to enjoy time with him while we have him. This is again not the outcome we wanted, but we are thankful that he is currently feeling well and is able to enjoy the sunshine and get out and about. We have an exciting year ahead and so much to live for. Craig has also said that he is only halfway through his book and can't go anywhere until that is finished. We implore everyone to savour time with the people you love, as we will be doing.

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  • Experimental drug trial

      16 July 2025

    Some weeks ago, we were made aware of an experimental drug trial targeting advanced solid mass tumours. With some input and coordination from Craig's oncologist, we were put in contact with an oncology research group, BeOne Medicines, via Te Whatu Ora in Auckland, who offered Craig a place in their human trial.

    The drug, BG-C477, is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a humanised antibody that selectively targets carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), coupled with a topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitor. CEA is present on the surface of cancer cells, meaning that the drug can bind specifically to cancer cells and release the TOP1 inhibitor payload, thereby blocking the activity of the TOP1 enzyme, essential for cell replication. The expected result is cell death to the targeted cells without harming the cells that are non-cancerous.

    This is the first clinical trial of BG-C477 in humans with advanced solid tumours.

    Given that all medicine thus far has been relatively inefficacious, it was worth a try. This is a unique situation where Craig can contribute data to cutting-edge research, giving back to the scientific community, while continuing to potentially benefiting from it. Craig agreed to take part, and the trial commenced shortly thereafter.

    The goal is to at least stop the cancer getting worse. We have not received any results from the trial yet, but treatment continues, and our fingers are crossed for positive results.

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  • Thank you for your support

      12 March 2025
    Main image

    After the provisional three months of privately funded treatment, Craig's prognosis is terminal, and time is limited. We are going to close this fundraiser, but wanted to give an update before we did so. Words cannot express how deeply grateful we are for the aroha and support we have received throughout this journey. We had to try this treatment, and you all made that possible. Unfortunately, we didn't get the outcome we were hoping for. Know that we are not giving up. Craig is in good spirits and feeling well, despite everything (see for yourself!). We are now focusing on enjoying every moment we have left with him. We know Craig is important to many, so we welcome you to enjoy this time with him as well. Please visit or reach out; we'd love to hear from you.

    Picture courtesy of our cousin, Mike Kelly.

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    • 25/03/2025 by Sarah Dawson

      Love you guys ♥️♥️♥️

    • 25/03/2025 by Harry

      Thank you Mr Ireland for being a great teacher, I learnt so much from you and you always made sure every student was taken care of. You did so much. You spent so much time helping other students and one of the only teachers I liked and enjoyed going to class to, especially in culinary arts. Tbh most of the teachers and students at the school hated me 😂. Your humour, kindness and acceptance made it easy to connect with you and made school a bit easier. No bullshit. There would always be a laugh in the classroom between us both. My mother dealt with a very similar illness and understand how hard it must be for you and your family. Although the end maybe near as what was said in the post, you are going to a great place because of the kind human being you are, you had an impact on me and so many other students.

  • Treatment has started

      31 December 2024

    Just a quick update: treatment (Lonsurf and Bevacizumab/Avastin) has started. Side effects are minimal so far. We won’t know how effective the treatment is for a little while. The course of treatment will either be for three months or one year, depending on its efficacy. Thank you again for all support! Wishing everyone good health in 2025.

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  • A thank you...

      17 December 2024

    We have been running this page for a little over a week and are absolutely blown away by the kindness and generosity shown by everyone. We feel genuinely humbled by the support given to us. We have every hope that this will work but are truly feeling the love. Thank you, sincerely.

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