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 7 June 2026
Hi everyone,
I thought I would add an update, as it's been a while since my last.
Since my last update in December, I have continued with the unfunded immunotherapy treatments every 3 weeks. This has now changed to every 6 weeks, and the plan is to continue this treatment schedule for another year.
I have also returned to work 4 days a week, and next term I’ll be heading back to 5 days a week. It has been really nice to get back into work and a bit more of a routine, even though balancing that with ongoing treatment and recovery can still be a struggle and quite tiring at times.
I’m continuing to fundraise to help cover not only the cost of each 6-weekly treatment, but also specialist appointments and other ongoing medical expenses. I am so incredibly grateful for all the support, kindness, and generosity that I’ve received along the way — it truly means so much.
Helen
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