+2 images
Main image

Help us help Owen, amazing Dad, husband and colleague.

$67,572 of $100,000 goal
Given by 843 generous donors in 8 weeks

Owen is a Detective Constable in the New Zealand Police, based in Kaikohe, a loving husband & father battling rare appendix cancer.

Northland, Far North District

Owen was recently diagnosed with a rare cancer, Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix. The disease is aggressive and rarely seen, in anyone under 50. There is no screening or testing available and it is usually caught at Stage 4.

We are determined to fight this disease and give our children as much time with their dad as we can. Owen is the most loving, patient father you could imagine. Our children are joyful, kind and so full of life at 7,6,5,3 and 2. It breaks me to know their time with the dad is at risk.

We have made a decision to pursue treatment in Australia to give Owen the greatest chance of survival. The surgery is estimated to cost $150,000.00 AUD with Professor Morris a well renowned surgeon in the field of Appendix Cancer. It will involve resecting a number of organs, debulking and cleaning as well as hot chemotherapy directly into his abdomen (HIPEC). This is available in New Zealand but at a much higher cost.

There are additional costs associated for our short-term relocation as well as managing our children's living expenses back home in New Zealand throughout the surgery, post operative chemotherapy and recovery. We have drawn down our KiwiSaver and superannuation to cover the majority of the expenses, however a significant financial shortfall remains.

We understand how hard it is for everyone at the moment and have no expectations here.

Above all, we appreciate any blessings or prayer that comes our way.

Pip Turner's involvement (page creator)

Owen is a friend, and colleague in the New Zealand Police.

Use of funds

We have set a target of $100,000, however any funds raised will be used to help Owen and Clair with the cost of the surgery and recovery in Australia, and to help with their children's living expenses back in New Zealand.

Read more

Latest update

Back in New Zealand  12 November 2024

We are so very thankful for all of the support, well wishes & check in's, it is so appreciated. Owen is recovering well from surgery and is now back home in New Zealand where he is preparing for the next stage of chemotherapy.

Share this update

Read 3 more updates

Read more

Latest donations

Anja
Anja 6 days ago
Wising you all the best.
$100
Chris
Chris on 12 Nov 2024
Hi Owen and Family , Owen I hope your doing ok and will be back on the beat soon NZ needs good Cops , Love to you and your Family Regards Chris
Private
Lynn
Lynn on 12 Nov 2024
Praying for a Full Recovery :0)
$100
Gwenyth
Gwenyth on 12 Nov 2024
$1,000
Debbie
Debbie on 12 Nov 2024
$100

Who's involved?

Pip Turner's avatar
Created by Pip Turner
Owen Pihema's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Owen Pihema
Page Moderated
The page has been checked by our team to make sure it complies with our terms and conditions.

Help Fundraise

You can create your own page to help fundraise for this cause.

Gallery

Page Q&A

2 questions have been asked already. Check them out and ask yours here.

Any concerns?

Report this page
This campaign started on 23 Sep 2024 and ends on 23 Sep 2025.