Help Emma access Keytruda to beat triple negative breast cancer

$2,315 donated

Given by 22 generous donors in 4 days

Keytruda gives people with triple negative breast cancer a much better chance of staying cancer-free. With no funding Emma needs help now.

Upper Hutt, Wellington

Many in the community know Emma through her community service, whether that be her time in the NZ Defence Force, on the PPA Committee, the Pinehaven School Board, or most recently as an elected councillor for the Upper Hutt City Council.

Emma is also Mum to her young son, a dog Mum to Freddie and Flynn, a key support for her elderly mother, and a dear friend to many.

I’ve always admired Emma’s dedication and care for our community. It's now our time to care for Emma as she undergoes treatment.

In Sep 26 Emma was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive form of breast cancer. The standard of care in over 40 other countries includes adding Keytruda alongside chemotherapy for all stages to reduce the chance of cancer coming back. Pharmac's own cancer advisors recommended funding it for early-stage TNBC in 2023, but there's still no decision.

Pharmac only funds Keytruda after the cancer has spread and become advanced. Because Emma's has been caught before Stage IV, she is required to pay for it herself. The full course costs around $100,000, in part because unfunded drugs can't be given in public hospitals, it has to be delivered privately.

Her treatment starts asap and Keytruda needs to start alongside the chemotherapy so time matters.

I'll post updates here as treatment goes on. Thank you for reading, and for whatever you're able to give.

Ngā mihi

Carly Mackay's involvement (page creator)

Emma and I have been friends for 10 years, our children and dogs are the same age.

Use of funds

Every dollar raised goes directly to the cost of Keytruda and its administration. Any extra will go towards her living costs as she won’t be able to work full time while undergoing treatment.