Give Kiri the gift of Time
Seeking donations to fund the drug Pemetrexed, so Kiri can continue Immunotherapy Cancer treatment (no longer eligible for funding).
Christchurch, Canterbury
Kiri is a 57-year-old terminal cancer warrior who is married with 2 children and 3 grandchildren. She is a bubbly, intelligent, & positive woman who is a keen gardener & talented in arts and crafts. She has a way about her that is calm and comforting, and an infectious grin.
Unfortunately, Kiri was diagnosed with lung cancer in June 2022, where the hospital told her there was no treatment available. Kiri did not accept this, transferring to St George's, and paying $70,000 to receive Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy until PHARMAC approved her treatment in January 2023.
In April 2024, Kiri was back in Christchurch Hospital, her treatment put on hold due to her diagnosis of a brain tumour and having to go under the knife twice to have it removed.
June 2024, Kiri has now ben diagnosed with a second brain tumor and awaiting a plan for treatment to remove it.
Kiri continues to live with a positive attitude & fighting spirit. However, PHARMAC refuse to fund the drug Pemetrexed due to a clause in their terms, stating she loses funding if the cancer spreads to another part of the body.
Kiri's Life insurance is only able to partially fund her immunotherapy that she needs to treat her lung cancer, and she and her family need help to fund the rest. This will cost her $617 per cycle.
Please give what you can, to support Kiri's battle with cancer, gifting her time with her family & friends to live her best life. Any support is much appreciated.
Please, share her page if you are able.
Jo Tawharu's involvement (page creator)
I was lucky enough to have met Kiri in Christchurch Public Hospital on the Neuro ward just before she got her first brain tumour removed, and she has become a very loved and admired friend.
Use of funds
Funds will be spent on Kiri's immunotherapy (Pemetrexed), as well as any arising costs such as transport to and from the hospital, & any ongoing equipment or supplies needed to support Kiri to treat her cancer, easing the financial burdens for her & her husband.
Latest update
Out of time, but free of pain 7 October 2024
Firstly, I want to apologise for not being able to update sooner.
Unfortunately Kiri's radiation did not work. Her tumors spread. She got really sick and went down hill very quickly over the past month or so.
Her family were able to keep her at home where she wanted to be.
Unfortunately Kiri lost her fight to cancer, passing away Last Tuesday night (the 3rd of October). She fought long and she fought hard.
I may not have known Kiri for long, having met her earlier this year but I absolutely appreciated the time and energy she chose to share with me when she did and will treasure those memories.
She was a remarkable Women, blunt at times, full of knowledge and stories of her lifetime that she kindly shared with me. She had the best sense of humor. I will miss her friendship, but I am also thankful she is not in anymore pain.
She loved her Husband Kev, to whom supported and cared for her until the end. She loved and was proud of her two adult children Jason and Stevie, and her grandchildren, she spoke of them all fondly.
Her funeral is being held this Wednesday 9th October, 2.30pm at Lamb and Hayward Rangiora ,92 Kippenberger Avenue, Rangiora 7400 for those of you who knew Kiri and wish to say goodbye.
Many thanks for everyone support from her family.
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