Hearts for Vickie

My beautiful friend Vickie is happily married to Ryan and they have a beautiful daughter, Ruby who is 4 years old. Vickie is UK born and bred but has adapted extremely well to her Kiwi home, (even though she won't open the curtains on Christmas morning to hold onto a bit UK's Christmas winter darkness). Vickie, Ryan and Ruby live in the idyllic seaside suburb of Sumner, in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Just over a year ago Vickie was rushed to hospital with stomach pains. These turned out to be appendicitis. Doctors decided to remove her appendix, but whilst reviewing the pre-operation scans, they noticed a small bump on the bottom of her heart. Further scans and a biopsy later, doctors confirmed that Vickie had 4 tumours growing around her heart.

Over the last 9 months, Vickie has received fully funded immunotherapy treatment. Today, just 5 days before Vickie's most favourite day of the year, Vickie received the news that the immunotherapy is not working and a fifth tumour has grown, this time inside her heart. This is devastating news.

The next recommendation by Vickie's oncologist is to commence the treatment of Dabrafenib and Trametinib. These are daily pills, and although there may be some side effects, there is a success chance of halting, or reducing the rate of growth of the tumours of around 70%. The NZ Government does not fund this treatment and it would cost Vickie and Ryan $5,500 per month.

I ask all my friends and family, Vickie's friends and family, and anyone else who can contribute anything to do so. It is crucial that Vickie starts this drug after Christmas! Please please, if you are able to, donate any amount. Every single $1 is hugely appreciated.