Help raise funds for Denise's cancer treatment

Within a few days of her wedding on 30th March this year, Denise Goodyer started experiencing symptoms of vision loss and disorientation. Following some tests and scans she was sadly diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain tumour, glioblastoma. Denise has had surgery to remove as much of the golf ball sized tumour as possible, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She has had an extremely tough time, suffering many complications and unpleasant side effects, but throughout her ordeal she continues to put on the bravest face and her brightest smile.

Having exhausted all available treatments through the New Zealand public health system, the family are now exploring other options for her through a private oncologist. She has recently started on fortnightly infusions of the drug Avastin. It is hoped that Avastin will help slow down further growth of the tumour, allowing her some quality time with her much loved husband, as well as with her family and friends.

Avastin is expensive and not funded by our public health system unfortunately. Denise worked full time prior to her diagnosis, but she has been too unwell to work since, so the hefty costs are eating into her savings, which she needs for day to day expenses. The cost of each of the first four fortnightly treatments is around $6800, and each subsequent fortnightly treatment will cost $2600. This means the first 12 weeks will cost approximately $32 400, and from then onwards it will cost approximately $15 600 every 12 weeks.

In their wedding invitation, Denise and Phil requested no gifts, instead asking for guests to donate to hospice – a reflection of their own thoughtfulness and generosity.

Any donation to help Denise and Phil through this incredibly difficult time will be greatly appreciated, as is the love and support that people are showing Denise.