Friends and family are invited to celebrate Adrienne Smithson on Saturday 19 October, 2:30pm at Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road Albany, Auckland.
Please feel free to wear something orange in honour of her favourite colour.
Very sorry to hear this news. RIP
Ady passed away peacefully two nights ago at Harbour Hospice, surrounded by loving family.
We want you to know that your support bought Ady precious time. Since her out-of-the-blue diagnosis in July last year, Ady fulfilled some incredible lifetime wishes including skydiving and a trip to Fiji with her husband and two young daughters. This was possible only because of life-extending drugs.
We are proud of how Ady used her time, and bravely put herself forward to advocate for better diagnosis and treatment for bowel cancer. She drew attention to the growing incidence among younger people and her advocacy has made a difference: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bowel-cancer-rates-rising-among-new-zealanders-under-50-years-old-driving-calls-for-even-lower-screening-age/HZDWMDQH35EBDEVOCLGCPCFAXA/
Most knew Ady as a humble, no fuss, practical person. We have been in awe at how Ady faced aggressive grade bowel cancer with such grace, fierce strength and her signature humour.
Thank you for your support - donations gave us the time we needed as a family to come to grips with a devastating diagnosis in someone that should have been able to continue motherhood and her teaching career for many years ahead.
Ady's funeral details for next Saturday, 19 October are being finalised. Ady's wishes are that instead of flowers, she encourages donations to Bowel Cancer Society NZ & Hospice.
Arohanui, Anne-Elise (little sis)
It was a privilege and a pleasure to help. Bless you all.
Just absolutely devastating news. I never knew Ady but was deeply moved by her story and was really happy to see your previous updates that she was responding so positively.
At the very least, I'm happy the contributions bought her some precious time to spend with her family.
My heartfelt condolences go out to all of Ady's family and friends.
So pleased Ady had the chance to fulfill some wishes and make memories for those she loved. Much 💕 to all. Not easy, I know as two years ago my turn but yes strong people like her leave us in awe. Kia kaha, do her proud
I am so, so sorry to hear this terrible news. Adrienne was my colleague at Auckland Museum and she was a lovely, warm and wonderful person. I'm sending my sincere condolences to all of you.
Here's an update from Ady's latest scan results, and it's good news!
Merry Christmas to all our friends and whānau - what a year it has been, and we hope you all enjoy the summer break.
Ngā mihi nui / best wishes
Anne-Elise
That is the best news! Merry Christmas to you and your family xx
What fantastic news - and just in time for Christmas! Hope you and the family have a very Merry Christmas.
Dear Friends, Family & Supporters, Ady is now two months into her treatment plan. Here's an update on how things are going.
A few weeks ago, Ady was struggling with fatigue and pain. After fortnightly rounds of targeted treatment (alongside chemo), we're thrilled to say there have been changes. Monitoring shows that her indicators are tracking well, and the treatment is certainly helping. These days Ady is managing to make the most of the warmer weather, exercising daily and thankfully, her appetite has never been a problem!
We're so happy things are looking a little brighter.
This photo of Ady, Casey & Dom was taken on the North Shore this weekend.
Thank you all for all your support as we navigate this time.
We hope you are enjoying the sunshine too.
Ngā mihi nui, Anne-Elise
You’re looking beautiful as always and so are your gorgeous girls XX Karen
A lovely photo. So happy for Ady and all the family that treatment is going well. Thats wonderful to hear.
We've loved reading your messages of support and quite a few mention Ady's smile.
Over the last three weeks, my sister started her Cetuximab treatment cycles, alongside her chemo. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen!
Here's a photo of a smiling Ady receiving her regular Cetuximab targeted treatment.
Ngā mihi, love to you all
Anne-Elise
Overwhelmed. We were expecting this to be so much more work to raise the $100k to ensure Adrienne can continue her medical treatments. But here we are, just three days from launching this page thanks to you all.
We don't even have the words to express how grateful we feel. Speechless.
I'll leave this page open, should there be any final donations coming in. Additional funds over our target will all go towards Ady's medical treatment.
Together, we did something miraculous!
That's awesome. You are in my thoughts.
With not long to go before we reach our target, I'd like to tell you more about Ady's treatment plan. Your donations will go towards two treatment cycles of 14 days each for Cetuximab and Avastin. She has been quoted $75k and $45k respectively for each of these non-funded drugs.
I also want to tell you that Ady & family have been reading each and every one of your messages of support. We are floored.
With friends like you to count on, we can give Ady, James, Dom & Casey the best chances possible of living well and flourishing.
Can't thank you all enough.
With love and gratitude,
Anne-Elise (Little Sis)
Correction: I meant, 12 cycles of 14 days for each of the two treatments. Oops!
"Just wanted to say we have been blown away by all the support we have received from everyone. I simply have no words to explain how uplifted and loved we all feel right now. To say thank you doesn't even begin to cover it. Forever grateful x 🙏"
Wow! Exceeding $30k in the first day of creating this page is miraculous! Adrienne has been able to receive her first dose of Cetuximab, a targeted treatment for her type of bowel cancer. Ady reports 'so far, so good' since taking this infusion,.
Your messages of support, your love and compassion mean so much to Ady and family. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. At this rate, we will reach our target in no time!
With love and gratitude, Anne-Elise (Little Sis)
