Fundraising for the drug Avastin to treat Brain Cancer for Paul Huggins.
Mount Cook, Wellington
Tēnā koutou e hoa mā
Our dearest friend, father, partner, and local musical stalwart, Paul Huggins has recently found out he has Glioblastoma Multiforme - a terminal brain cancer that has cruelly given Paul less than a year to be with us.
We are fundraising to access the very expensive drug Avastin, which is not currently funded through PHARMAC. This drug will be able to prolong the effects of growing tumours and enable him to be with us for longer. The general cost of this treatment is $10,000 a month.
We are asking for your support to help Paul like he has helped so many of us in the community.
Here is a Declaration of Interest from Brain Tumour Support NZ on the submission to PHARMAC on the proposal to decline the funding application for Avastin in relapsed, recurrent glioblastoma multiforme https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c0062f3e17ba398a2a5aaf4/t/60fe0cbc735d6f7990bd5639/1627262143913/BTSNZ+Feedback+Bevacizumab_210723.pdf
We are also doing a concert on the 4th of September at San Fran, starting at 4pm to celebrate our brother Paul. Bands featured are Cakekitchen, End Boss, The Eastern, Trinity Roots, and The Nudge. Here’s a link to the event https://facebook.com/events/s/sunday-best-a-gig-for-our-mate/1135935197267082/
Ka nui te mihi e hoa mā.
Paul is a close friend.
The proceeds will fund the access to Avastin to prolong Paul's life.
An update 16 June 2023
Kia ora koutou e te whānau
We wanted to give a final update to you all.
Paul has had six infusions of Avastin over a 18 week period thanks to your generous donations. There is no doubt that Avastin helped with Paul’s mobility and quality of life and he even jumped on his e-bike and went for ride and beach walk at Island Bay! Unfortunately though it is no longer effective and providing the benefits we had previously seen.
So, with heavy hearts, we agreed with the oncologist that it was time to stop the treatment. While this has been a difficult decision we do know it is the right one.
In the months since beginning the Avastin we have continued to make wonderful happy memories together, some highlights have been: going to Auckland for Paul to receive the IMNZ Independent Spirit Award for his enduring commitment to local music; going to Dunedin to see Zak settled into his new life as a uni student and having a primo spot at the Wellington, Sleaford Mods gig.
The residual funds from your donations will be used for things related to Paul’s comfort and well-being. We really appreciate all of the aroha and awhi you have given us, this and your generosity has helped to lighten our load on this difficult journey.
Don’t forget to tell those significant in your life how much they mean to you, give them a hug, and as trite as it may sound, make the most of every day.
Aroha nui
Paul, Trish and Zak xox
Thanks Mike - we really appreciate your support. Aroha nui Paul, Trish & Zak Xox
Thanks- we really appreciate your support. Aroha nui Paul, Trish & Zak Xox
Thanks Cath and Dylan - we really appreciate your support. Aroha nui Paul, Trish & Zak Xox
Thanks - we really appreciate your support. Aroha nui Paul, Trish & Zak Xox
Thanks Mark we really appreciate your support Aroha nui Paul, Trish & Zak Xox
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