Help Chris Battle Cancer
Chris has an aggressive form of melanoma cancer and requires the lifesaving drug Keytruda for a minimum of 1 year which is not funded.
Morrinsville, Waikato
My close friend Chris was diagnosed with Stage 3C melanoma cancer in Dec 2023 after her hairdresser noticed a change in a mole on her ear which couldn't be seen or felt by Chris. Within 24hrs of seeing a Specialist, Chris had surgery to remove the top part of her ear, followed by a 2nd operation 3 weeks later resulting in the total loss of her ear.
The tumour has now returned in the same place. There is no more surgery or talk of radiotherapy for now. Keytruda is the only anti-cancer drug recommended and requires infusions every 3 weeks for 17 cycles (1 year). It is not funded in NZ and the drug alone costs $77,000 for the year plus $25k for administering this drug, use of the oncology, equipment and nurses time.
Chris and her husband Brett are facing a tremendously tough time ahead financially. When I approached them about the Give a Little Page they were very reluctant to go down this path until reality sunk in.
Chris is a very generous person of her time, having served the Morrinsville community incl Meals on Wheels.
She has been a motivator for me and together we've done a half marathon, and other various fun runs. While undergoing Keytruda she still pushes herself to stay fit and healthy attending pilates, gym classes and going on bush walks with Brett even when she is feeling tired.
To alleviate the financial burden for Chris and her family, I am hoping to fully fund her Keytruda through this page.
A big thank you in advance for your kindness and support.
Jo Robb's involvement (page creator)
I first met Chris 18 years when we worked together. We became great friends and competed in many walks & runs and enjoyed many social outings together.
She is very generous with her time and always makes you feel very welcome in her home.
Use of funds
Funds will be used solely to pay for the Keytruda Drug. Totalling $77,000 for the next 12 months.
Latest update
Update on Chris' radiation and more ... 23 August 2024
Chris is pleased to advise that she has finished radiation. This has not been easy and has impacted on her day-to-day life – including side effects of headaches, hair loss, skin rashes, tinnitus and loss of taste and saliva just to name a few. Chris must now continue with Keytruda infusions through to February.
The great news is that Chris has now reached the threshold, and the government is now paying for the Keytruda drug. Chris still must pay for the ongoing fees and administration per session, which amounts to over $1,300 every treatment which will end in February. It’s a shame the government funding that is proposed to start in October didn’t come early enough for her.
Chris would like to thank you all so much for the donations and more importantly the support she has had throughout this journey. It has given her the encouragement to stay focused on the big picture of getting well again. So, on that note we have decided to close down the Givealittle Page.
Once again many thanks for all your support xxxx
Latest donations
On behalf of Chris, thanks so much for your kind donation.
On behalf of Chris, thanks so much for your kind donation. :)
Oh behalf of Chris, thank you so much for your kind donation.
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