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
Keytruda Report number 13: 13th December - Update from Chris 14 December 2025
Hi Everyone,
Lucky for some number 13, and that's what I'm going with, as I specifically waited till Saturday 13th December to write about my Keytruda treatment.
And so it will be, as the 200 mls of pembrolizumab flows into my veins - go you good thing, show no mercy to my cancer invaders as we mop up what's left of thy rebel bandits.
I feel good, and the significant reduction in what I can see of the cancer war zone on my face is mentally soothing, but I know the battle still rages below the surface. I can feel it, so although we are winning the fight, I must remain relentless and ruthless in my endgame.
Stay tuned as we push forward with last rolls of the dice, lucky 13 on under over Blackjack in a game for life !
Love you all, cheers Chris
Latest donations
Thanks Taz, Chris and Karen are really humbled by your donation - many thanks Mark
Thank you so much Hayley and Paul !
Thank you so much Lyn for your support - Chris and Karen really do appreciate! :-)
Thank you so much - Chris and Karen are so very grateful for your support!
Thank you for your support Denise, it is so gratefully appreciated.
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