Help our mum Shirley on her journey to fight a rare Cholangiocarcinoma
Help our mum Shirley on her journey to fight a rare Cholangiocarcinoma
Waikare, Northland
Our mum, Shirley, has played an instrumental role in the Waikare Valley community since she moved to the valley at 18. In her professional years she worked across the education sector, in teacher aid, transport and Board of Trustee roles, finishing her career at Bay of Island's College leading the Gateway Program. Personally, mum has been a quiet force for our community and marae, always supporting whānau, holding key roles at the marae, and giving her time to others. Now she’s facing her toughest challenge and needs us....
In January, Mum was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma – a rare cancer in her bile duct. Due to the location, it is inoperable and can’t be treated with radiotherapy. She started chemotherapy in March and, to everyone’s relief, is responding well. Her tumour markers have dropped, and she’s regaining her strength.
That response has opened a window of hope. Her oncology team is now suggesting immunotherapy and genomic testing to access targeted treatments. The health system in New Zealand doesn't cover the level of treatment mum needs, so we are fundraising upwards of $60,000 to support:
- Private oncology and testing
- Unfunded Immunotherapy drugs (e.g. durvalumab)
- Access to trials (which are not funded)
- Travel, imaging, and treatment support
Mum has spent a lifetime giving to others. Now we’re asking for help to give her the best chance at more time with her mokopuna and whānau.
Ngā mihi nui,
Shirley’s whānau
Becs Reti's involvement (page creator)
Shirley is my mother-in-law, my husband Wetini is her eldest son
Use of funds
The money donated will be used to access to private health care to treat her cancer, including unfunded immunotherapy drugs and trial access, specialist costs, travel, imagining etc.
Latest update
Update 7 - A Week of Ups and Downs 1 June 2025
Kia ora koutou,
In our last update, we shared that Mum was in hospital again with a chemo-related infection. We saw the signs early this time, and she was admitted into Kawakawa hospital on Thursday 22nd May and was discharged the following Sunday with oral antibiotics. Unfortunately, on Monday morning (26th), she woke with pain in her gallbladder area and another fever.
That same day, she was scheduled to have her liquid biopsy — a key test that will help us better understand the genetic makeup of her tumour - thanks to this page, this test was an option for mum (given it was $5k). This could potentially open doors to targeted treatments or clinical trials down the line. Despite feeling unwell, she went ahead with the test, then headed straight to the Emergency Department at Whangārei Hospital.
She spent most of the week there on IV antibiotics, and the team has since confirmed that the infection is related to her biliary stent. It's something we’ll need to monitor closely and they are looking at options, given its so important it works to stop the bile build up. Mum was discharged on Thursday, and she’s now recovering with oral antibiotics at home.
With everything going on, Elli has extended his stay to help support Mum and Dad.
We continue to take things one day at a time. Thank you again for walking alongside us.
Arohanui,
Shirley’s whānau
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.