Krystel is fighting stage 4 melanoma and urgently raising funds for immunotherapy to help give her more time with her children.
Whangarei, Northland
At 43, I never imagined I would be fighting stage 4 metastatic melanoma.
Everything has changed quickly, and right now time matters. The melanoma has spread to my lung, liver, lymph nodes, breast and brain. Despite how big this feels, I am not ready for my story to end.
Alongside funded treatment, there is an additional unfunded immunotherapy treatment (ipilimumab) that offers a higher chance of survival and the best opportunity to keep fighting this disease. To access this treatment, we need to raise $63,000
I am a mum to three incredible teenagers, they are my reason for fighting so hard. I want more time with them, more family snowboarding trips, more adventures, more milestones, more laughs, more hugs, more ordinary moments that suddenly mean everything.
I’m not ready for my story to end. I still have so much life I want to live.
Anyone who knows me knows I love adventure, exploring our beautiful country, connecting with the world, and saying YES to life. Right now, I am trying to keep choosing joy, connection and presence with the people I love most.
Funds raised will help access this unfunded treatment and support the practical realities that come with cancer treatment, allowing me to focus on fighting for more time with my children, family and friends.
If you are able to donate, share, or support in any way, it would mean more than I can put into words. Every contribution helps give me a chance to keep fighting.
Because it’s never too late to live.
Unfunded Immunotherapy treatment, and support the practical realities that come with cancer treatment.
A little update from me 💛 25 May 2026
Wow. Over $15,000 has already been raised.
I genuinely don’t have words big enough for the gratitude my children and I feel. Every donation, from those I know well, those I haven’t seen or spoken to in years, to complete strangers who have read my story and shared their love… THANK YOU 💛
We have been so surprised, empowered, and deeply moved by the genuine care from every person. I’ve read every message, and although I haven’t managed to reply individually, please know I have seen you, remembered you, and gathered all your well wishes to help carry me through this journey.
On Friday I had my first round of immunotherapy treatment. So far things are going well, I’ve been a bit more tired than usual, but overall feeling positive. Although this is a strange road to be travelling, I’m taking it one day at a time and really trying to enjoy the ordinary day-to-day moments of life.
And I have to say… unfunded (or fundraised) private treatment is a whole different world 😅 Private cubicles, fancy document folders, on-call access to doctors and nurses… they even offer you a menu with yummy food options!
Right now I’m focusing on fighting hard, loving my people well, and making the most of every beautiful ordinary moment in between 💛
Thank you again for helping me access treatment that gives me the best possible chance at more time, more memories, and more life.
And if you’re able to keep sharing my Givealittle page, it has truly does help more than you know.
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