Helen’s Fight for More Time
Helen, a beloved teacher and devoted mum, is fighting Stage 4 cancer and needs help to access immunotherapy not funded in New Zealand.
Nationwide
Our beautiful friend Helen, a dedicated teacher at Western Heights Primary School in Auckland and a loving mum to her only son, is facing the fight of her life.
In 2021, Helen was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation. At the end of 2024, she received the devastating news that the cancer had returned — now at Stage 4. Although the road ahead is uncertain, hope remains in the form of immunotherapy treatment. Reaching out for help was not an easy decision, but immunotherapy now offers her the best chance to extend her life. Unfortunately, this treatment comes at a significant cost and Helen's type of cancer is not publicly funded in New Zealand.
We are asking for your help to raise the funds needed to access this potentially life-extending treatment. Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden and give Helen the best possible chance to keep fighting.
Please give what you can, and share this page with your networks. Thank you for standing with Helen.
Olivia Leaning's involvement (page creator)
As Helen’s coworker and friend of eight years, I’ve seen firsthand her strength, dedication, and kindness—now she needs our support more than ever.
Use of funds
Funds will go towards specialist appointments and the cost of Keytruda.
Latest update
Update about Helen 10 November 2025
Many of you know Helen for her warmth, wit, and wonderfully quirky sense of humour. Over the past months, she has been facing one of the toughest battles of her life while continuing treatment for cancer — a journey filled with challenges, setbacks, and unexpected twists.
One of those twists came when what was meant to be a simple Portacath surgery turned into a long, painful day followed by a difficult recovery. Soon after, Helen was told her cortisol levels were dangerously low, raising fears of a rare and serious condition called Adrenal Insufficiency. Thankfully, after further tests, the results proved temporary — but the stress and uncertainty took a real toll.
Through it all, Helen has shown incredible courage and resilience, meeting every hurdle with humour and heart. This page has been set up to help ease the financial strain of ongoing treatment, allowing her to focus on rest, recovery, and continuing to share her stories that make us laugh and cheer her on.
Thank you for standing beside Helen as she continues this fight with strength, grace, and her unmistakable spark.
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