Debbie's fight for life - help needed to fund cancer treatment

Debbie is a much-loved mother, grandmother, colleague, and friend. Anyone who knows her will tell you she is a giver—always the first to lend a hand and the last to ask for help. She has dedicated her life to caring for others, especially through her work in the pharmacy sector, where she has supported countless young adults, mentored and nurtured people toward brighter futures.

Debbie is also well known in the Hawke’s Bay community for organising charity events and fundraisers that have supported the Breast Cancer Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, the Child Cancer Foundation, and local families in need. During the most challenging times—COVID-19, Cyclone Gabrielle, and beyond—she put the wellbeing of others first, despite recovering from major surgery.

Debbie has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer. She has undergone chemotherapy and radiation, which were only partially successful. Her next and most promising option is immunotherapy, combined with more chemotherapy. This treatment offers Debbie a real chance.

Unfortunately, the immunotherapy drug, Atezolizumab, is not funded in New Zealand. The cost is overwhelming: approximately $8,000 every three weeks.

Debbie has always shown up for her community. She has always been the one who gives, who supports, who uplifts others in their hardest moments. Now it’s our turn to stand with her.

Debbie desperately requires this combined treatment to battle this disease.

Your generosity means everything.