Ex Firefighter no longer battling fires now battling Stage 4 Cancer

Hi, my name is Damian Ross-Murphy. I’m 55 and earlier this year was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bowel cancer, which has progressed to stage 4

I began serving my community in 2005 with the NZFS, spending 14 years helping people in their greatest moments of need—from rescuing crash victims and fighting fires to performing CPR. Sadly, the carcinogens I was exposed to during my firefighting career may have caused my cancer

I later joined MPI as a border officer, helping protect our environment from exotic pests and diseases, before joining NZ Police in the firearms safety team, helping keep firearms out of the hands of gangs and unsuitable people

After more than 20 years of serving others, I now find myself needing help

Thankfully, health insurance allowed me to receive surgery and treatment sooner than through the public system. I have now reached my insurance limit. While I move to public treatment, delays mean I must self-fund several rounds of oxaliplatin + cetuximab chemotherapy. I have also self funded detailed cancer analysis in the USA to investigate other potential treatments

I have been unable to work since May due to surgery recovery and the significant effects of chemo

My wife is now our sole income earner, and the financial strain has been huge

Any donations will be used solely for my cancer treatment. Excess to be donated to cancer research ,update on which one to come

Thank you for reading my story

I hope none of you ever have to face this journey

Best wishes

Damian