Help us save our beautiful mum

A few weeks ago, we all received a phone call that we will never forget. The most beautiful, strongest soul and rock of this family, our mum Bronagh, who is only 55, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer that has now spread to her liver and lymph node.

Our Mum is the sort of person who throughout her life has not only put us first, but everyone else around her. Mum has been a nurse for over 30 years, giving the best care in the most loving way to those in need, with some being in a similar position to her current situation. She now finds herself being the one needing the love and support. We admire mum's strength and courage, especially as a single parent, but we need help to save our mum who has done so much for us and others.

Sadly, our grandfather, our mum’s dad, passed away at the age of 64 with the same disease, leaving mum adamant cancer would not be a part of her life. Anyone who knows our mum knows how dedicated to a healthy lifestyle she is. Mum has never smoked and never drunk alcohol. She runs daily, meditates and eats an organic diet, always making sure everything that goes into her body is nothing but the best. This has been her life for as long as we can remember, so it is heart breaking to say that despite keeping herself as healthy as she could, cancer still found her.

Mum has been told that the treatment recommended by the medical system has a less than 20% cure rate with a high chance of the cancer returning. This left mum feeling devastated and with a difficult decision to make. After a lot of research mum has found hope again in The Oasis of Hope Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico which offers integrative cancer treatments. The Oasis of Hope Hospital is a researched-based treatment clinic which was established more than 50 years ago. The Hospital has a high rate of patients going into remission from cancer and maintaining quality of life. This is an expensive non-funded treatment, and an ongoing one, as mum needs to continue to take supplements and maintain a strict diet upon coming home and will have to return to Mexico for further treatments.

After taking all things into consideration, including the cost of both treatment overseas and ongoing care at home in New Zealand, we have calculated that this will cost $97,000 NZD. While it may seem a lot, this is what we need to ensure mum receives the best care and has the highest chance to live the long life she deserves.

Our mum has given us everything including unconditional love and support, which we are grateful for every day. She is so young with so much life ahead of her and so much love to give. Mum still has weddings to attend, grandchildren to hold…. we refuse for this to be the end for her. As a very private and proud person, it is hard for Mum to reach out and ask for help, so we are asking the public to help us save our mum. We cannot do this alone. So if you are able to show your support for the angel that is our mum we would be so grateful. No matter how little, anything at all will go a long way and mum will be forever grateful.

Kieran, Niaombh & Connor