Help Sharn access unfunded cancer treatment that could give her more precious time with the people she loves.
Christchurch, Canterbury
At just 39, Sharnelle was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought it hard - through chemotherapy, radiation and a mastectomy that saw her spend her 40th birthday in hospital.
If you know Sharn, you’ll know how she handled it. She got on with it. She worked whenever she could, looked after everyone around her and faced an incredibly difficult year with amazing strength.
Since her diagnosis, Sharn has been a member of Abreast of Life Dragon Boating, dedicating herself to supporting other women affected by cancer.
Four years on, at 44, Sharn’s cancer has returned. This time it is a rare form of breast cancer that has spread to her lungs and lymph nodes. It cannot be cured and will shorten her life.
Sharn and her partner, Andrew Stace, are now facing something no couple should have to face. There are treatments that may shrink or slow the cancer, keep Sharn comfortable and give her something incredibly precious: more time and the best quality of life possible.
One is Keytruda, an immunotherapy funded for some cancers in NZ, but not Sharn’s rare type. Our $100,000 goal will help cover one year of Keytruda, along with other unfunded medical expenses, treatment travel and practical support.
Sharn and Stace are two of the loveliest, kindest and most hardworking people you’ll meet. They’re the first to help others, and now they need our support. Every donation - big or small - will help Sharn access treatment and hopefully give her more precious time with Stace and the people she loves.
We are friends of Sharnelle who love her dearly and want to do everything we can to support her.
Funds will help Sharnelle access unfunded cancer treatment, including Keytruda. They’ll also cover medical costs, transport to and from treatment, and practical support, giving her more choices and precious time with loved ones.
An update from Sharn 💗 13 October 2026
Sharn has now had her first bag of Keytruda immunotherapy, and she's pleased to share some encouraging signs. The swelling in her chest and arm has reduced, along with some of the pain she's been experiencing.
She's having more good days than bad, is still working and has even made it back to dragon boating (although she reckons she's mostly just sitting in the boat with the girls at this stage 😉 - we don’t believe her!)
She's also feeling incredibly loved. Every message, donation and gesture of support has meant the world to her.
In around six weeks, she'll have a scan to see whether the treatment is having an effect on the growth of her tumours. We'll keep you updated as we know more.
Your generosity has helped towards something incredibly meaningful - Sharn’s treatment. What an extraordinary gift you've all come together to give her.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your kindness and for surrounding her with so much love.
A few words from Sharn:
"I can't thank you all enough for your very generous donations and messages. Knowing I have you all behind me reminds me I'm not doing this alone and means more than I can express. You've contributed towards something that really matters to me - fighting this shit! I'm staying positive and making the most of every day. Thank you so much."
— Sharn 💗
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