Help Support Chris in the Fight of his life against an aggressive form of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer.
Help Support Chris in the Fight of his life against an aggressive form of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer.
Waikato
Chris has been battling a very aggressive Squamous cell carcinoma cancer to his face and had a major operation last November to have this removed. The operation involved removing the cancer from his face, removing his lymph nodes and the parotid gland, and a suspicious nodule leaving a massive cavity which they have filled with muscle from his right hand leg and skin from the same area.
On top of that, because of the fine margin of surgery, this was followed by weeks of radiation treatment.
Unfortunately, even with the surgery and radiation, the cancer has returned. It is very aggressive, having grown while Chris was having radiation.
The prognosis is not good and Chris has been told he has around 6 months to live.
So, on discussion with his surgeon and oncologist the best way forward is a drug called Keytruda and this offers Chris about a 60% chance to live.
Although Keytruda is funded for some head and neck squamous cell carcinoma types in NZ, Chris's particular variant of squamous cell carcinoma is not currently funded. The cost to Chris and his family will be $100,000 for the first year of treatment.
Despite all of this, Chris is mentally strong and wants to fight this with everything he has.
Chris and his partner Karen are now retired. Chris has been a former surf life saver out at Karekare, and a Volunteer Fire Fighter. Chris has given so much of his free time to helping others in their time of need, and now it's our time to help Chris!
Mark Coleman's involvement (page creator)
Chris is like a brother to me, it was because of his encouragement that I became a volunteer firefighter. Over the years I have seen him tirelessly volunteer and give back to the community, now it's our time to give back to Chris!
Use of funds
- Keytruda treatment
- Oncologist visits/scans
- Bills and household expenses
- Funeral expenses, in the unfortunate event that we need to plan for this
- General care and well-being to ensure Chris has the support he needs
Latest update
1st Keytruda Treatment - Thursday 3rd April 4 April 2025
Chris asked if I could post this update - thanks Mark
"The very much anticipated day has arrived, Thursday 3rd April, Keytruda day, feeling a little nervous with a raw sense of trepidation, just like I'm about to embark on a journey into uncharted waters.
The nurses and staff are well trained and very soon have me calmed and feeling at ease as they prepare me for the first 30 minute uptake of this cancer wonder drug, it comes highly rated and with good outcomes, so I'm in your hands Keytruda go do your thing please, only 16 more cycles to do this year after this one, every three weeks with a blood test before each treatment
Before the next treatment I will also have a specialist oncologist assessment to make sure we are tracking correctly. There are so many different variables and possible side effects to consider and be aware of.
First treatment completed now and I am feeling relief and excitement at what this drug can do. Just the fact that I have started the fight back and shot some rounds at the enemy invaders is a fantastic feeling.
Thankyou to everyone, without you all at my side this is a battle that would be impossible to fight - lots of love coming your way. Cheers Chris "
Latest donations
Thank you Martha, Chris is fighting this with everything he has, thank you for your support.
Who's involved?