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Doing it for Dalton

$52,234 of $50,000 goal

Given by 644 generous donors in around 3 months

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Funding treatment and fun memories for Mr. Dalton.

Dunedin, Otago

Andy is a 41 year old father of two children Zavier (8) and Emmy (4), the partner of Amanda, a best mate and a great time.

On the 12th of October our world was turned upside down when Andy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer (Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer). The cancer was blocking Andy's airway and was unable to be removed during surgery, so he now has a tracheostomy meaning he cannot talk.

Unfortunately the cancer is incurable and we have been given a poor prognosis with a maximum of 3-6 months. Currently, Andy is undergoing radiation and starting a new treatment plan with an aim to prolong the time he can spend with Amanda and the kids.

The treatment plan and cost has just been confirmed:

• BRAF mutation targeted medication is starting 1st November 2022. Unfortunately, this is not funded and carries a cost of $5,500 per month.

• The next step is PDL-1 medication. This is also an unfunded drug and they have suggested a cost of approx. $100k per year.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed. We will be directing all funds towards these medication costs first and foremost.

Amanda O'Connor's involvement (page creator)

We have set up this page under Amanda's name - Andy's partner.

Use of funds

All money raised will go towards any costs incurred by Andy receiving treatment for his cancer and to create special memories with his kids. All remaining funds will go towards supporting Zavier and Emmy's future.

Home six months 30 April 2023

It’s hard to believe it has already been six months since Andy returned home from hospital with a life changing diagnosis. But six months has passed, and Andy the kids and I want to thank you all for your amazing generosity! Without access to the unfunded medications (dabrafenib and trametinib- $5500 per month) we know that we would not have had this time.

Since returning home Andy has continued to slowly improve- his feeding tube has been removed and he is eating normally again, and a recent change of tracheostomy tube means he is talking almost effortlessly.

Along the way so many wonderful memories have been made.

At this point of the journey we continue with his current medication as longs as it continues to be effective. At that point there is still an unfunded immunotherapy option… but we will face that when it comes.

In the meantime thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the support and generosity you have shown us.

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