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

$57,605 of $100,000 goal
Given by 726 generous donors in 22 days

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.

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Latest update

Please keep sharing....  14 October 2024

Thank you so much for all the donations and shares of the page, please keep sharing so we can help Owen and Clair as much as possible.

Article in the Northern Advocate below;

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/cancer-in-northland-dad-with-rare-cancer-spending-165k-for-expert-surgery/PXKDN6HKDZERJMVWTOXHVRI3HI/

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Latest donations

Julia
Julia 9 hours ago
Wishing you all the best.
$50
Rangiuia
Rangiuia 11 hours ago
Kia kaha, kia toa , kia manawanui!! koutou. Haere i raro i te tumanako nui.
$100
Steven
Steven 17 hours ago
$50
Guest Donor
Guest Donor 1 day ago
Keep your chins up, Owen and family ❤️
Private
Michelle
Michelle 1 day ago
Stay strong!
$50

Who's involved?

Pip Turner's avatar
Created by Pip Turner
Owen Pihema's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Owen Pihema
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This campaign started on 23 Sep 2024 and ends on 23 Sep 2025.