Help Lighten the Future for this Cancer Stricken Family

When Dave found out he had aggressive Stage IV Choroidal Melanoma cancer, it came from nowhere. Dave (59) went from living a normal life with his wife Reecy, and children Grace (13) and Wolf (8) to finding he has metastatic tumours which affect his lower organs. Primarily the liver is affected, but also the kidneys.

Surgery has not been not an option, as surgery is likely to aggravate the situation by spreading the tumours. Chemotherapy is not effective for this type of cancer; radiotherapy, likewise.

Dave was offered the opportunity to trial Keytruda (Pembroizumab), however Keytruda is neither publicly nor privately funded for his particular type of melanoma in New Zealand. Statistically the success rate for treating metastatic Choroidal Melanoma with Keytruda is too low for it to meet the criteria for funding (there is a 1 in 10 chance of the treatment being effective). But given that Stage IV cancer is terminal, Dave felt he had no other option but to give it a go.

In spite of the odds, Dave has been one of the lucky ones. The Keytruda treatment has reduced the growth of tumours and halted the development of new ones. It has radically slowed the progress of the main 40mm x 32mm growth. The slowing down of that tumour is considered a win in terms of treatment. Without having had the Keytruda treatment, Dave would no longer be with us.

So far, Dave and Reecy have personally funded 14 treatments to the tune of $90,000 - by remortgaging the finance on their family home in South Brighton, Christchurch. While there has been some success with the treatment, Stage IV Choroidal Melanoma is terminal, there is no cure available for this type of cancer. Dave has been able to continue working as a carpenter, but as their future is uncertain, Reecy has been retraining fulltime as a radiographer. With Dave’s treatment and Reecy studying, the strain on their finances and day to day living is very real.

While Dave and Reecy have tried to keep daily family life as ‘normal’ as possible, the situation has at times been frustrating, overwhelming and challenging. With having two relatively young children, Dave hopes to see them through to adulthood, and Dave is determined to keep active with his kids and involved in his community.

Dave has been keeping a positive attitude, however, what lies ahead is yet to be seen in terms of Dave’s health. Reecy being left with the burden of debt from his treatment should he pass away, is of great concern to Dave.

Please consider supporting this husband, father, brother, colleague and friend, helping him to recover the cost of his treatment.