Help support Anna, Tom and their family during an extremely difficult time as Anna battles cancer
Anna received the devastating news that cancer had spread to her brain. Help them spend quality family time & explore unfunded treatment.
Island Bay, Wellington
Two years ago, ongoing symptoms (assumed to be long covid) for Anna led to a diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, which had also spread to her liver. A dreadful outcome after months of medical appointments trying to find the issue. Treatments have been tough, but so is Anna. Heading into Xmas 2023, it seemed to be under control.
But earlier this year, after suffering constant migraines, Anna received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to her brain. The prognosis is not good. Anna is desperate to spend as much quality time as possible with Tom and their daughters (7yrs & 10yrs) and to be with them for as long as possible.
Tom’s been off work, caring for Anna, taking her to appointments, being with her in the hospital when she’s in, keeping the kids routines going, & running their home. They are also researching unfunded treatment (Tucatinib) in the hope they can find something that will help extend Anna’s life.
At the moment, Anna is undergoing whole-brain radiotherapy which has been really hard on her. Up till a few months ago, Anna was a very active person. But now the treatments and the cancer are really affecting her energy levels and cognition. Simple tasks like getting dressed, or even walking, are proving challenging.
You couldn't find a nicer & more generous family. Any donations you can give to help will be deeply appreciated ❤️
Andre van den Assum's involvement (page creator)
Longtime friend
Use of funds
Relieve financial pressure so they can focus on spending quality time together as a family and have the option to explore unfunded treatment (Tucatinib).
Latest update
Hard Conversations 10 March 2024
Hi all. Just a quick update from us.
Firstly, we want to say thank you all for your generosity. It's been really heartwarming getting all your messages, and koha, be it on here, or offers to help with life admin, it's all been super helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Last week we plucked up the courage to talk to our girls about what this years news meant for us. It was easily one of the hardest conversations Anna or I have ever had 💔. Our girls are just as gutted as we are, and we are grateful for the support they are getting from their friends families, and the wider Island Bay community ❤.
In that same week, due to the radiotherapy, Anna's hair started falling out, but Anna turned that into a positive, inclusive experience by letting our youngest, Gloria, shave what was left of it off. It was a fun afternoon 🙂.
Anna is doing a bit better now than she was a few weeks back, but a short walk up and down our street is about her physical limit at this stage. Short visits by well wishers are appreciated, but are also quite exhausting.
We are still unsure of what options we might have available going forward, but hope to have a conversation with Anna's oncologist Monday week to see what the best way forward is.
Thank you all.
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