Get Mike the unfunded treatment he needs
Mike has been battling bowel cancer, while trying to keep his family going - three small boys.
Canterbury
Mike Heiler is a 43yr old father of 3 young boys who has been battling stage 4 bowel cancer for over 2 years. He has stoically endured multiple surgeries as well as chemo and radiation. His one last chance is a combination of 2 immune therapy drugs that are not funded under the NZ public health system.
• Regorafenib which costs about $595.00 per week (Southern Cross Insurance will cover $10k per policy year for this drug = 4 months of treatment).
• Nivolumab which costs about $6,470.00 per week (not covered by Southern Cross Insurance).
His doctors will know after 2 to 3 months if the treatment is working to slow the cancer, but the cost to do that is around $80,000.
Options are being explored for access longer term, but the family urgently need help to find out if this will work for Mike.
(Mike and family have received help via Give-a-Little before, and they are extremely grateful and humbled by your support. This campaign is critical for them at this extremely difficult stage of their lives. Thank you.)
*Previous Givealittle page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/it-is-time-mike-heiler
David Downs' involvement (page creator)
I am a good friend of Mike, who has run out of options for his cancer treatment
Use of funds
The funds will purchase the immunotherapy drugs for up to three months so we can see if they work.
Latest update
Update from Mike, Feb 2021 1 February 2021
Hi all. Well it is long overdue for an update from Turid and I. As many of you will know, unfortunately my immunotherapy was unsuccessful. We gave it our best shot but had no positive response and, in fact, it was the worst treatment experience I have had to date!
So, I have now stopped all non-palliative treatment and hope for as much time as possible with my beautiful, intelligent, all-around wonderful wife and the amazing children we have been blessed with. My health is ok at the moment with the doctors patching things up as we go along (mostly radiotherapy to the bone mets).
Again Turid and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, kindness and thoughts on this journey of ours. It means so so much. Obviously the page has been closed but we will update you by the other, various communication means at our disposal. Sending all our love. Mike.
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