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

$67,792 of $100,000 goal
Given by 847 generous donors in around 4 months

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

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.

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Latest donations

Charak
Charak on 16 Jan 2025
Private
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 11 Jan 2025
$20
Helen
Helen on 16 Dec 2024
Hope things go well. I'm an ex cop from Victoria , Australia. Also a registered nurse. I'm now fighting a grade 4 brain tumor in my thalmus. Atm the chemo has shrunk the tumor that much the MRI can't report on it. Not to say it won't come back. I meet some lovely NZ folk at the APE games in Rotorua last yr. Before this all started. Led the parade with 3 other 'mounties' on horse back. I had a loan horse called Bing.. So my thoughts are with you. The journeys that we have to go on. Massive hugs. .
$50
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 11 Dec 2024
Wishing you the best life can give.
Private
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 03 Dec 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. All the best.
$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
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This campaign started on 23 Sep 2024 and ends on 23 Sep 2025.