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Mike Gunter, 21. Fights Malignant Brain Tumor

  • Message from Heather

      22 June 2016

    Hi everyone, I just wanted to give you an update as Mike is now back in NZ. He arrived at the beginning of this month following his latest treatment in Germany. His treatment is on-going but the times between treatments will lengthen as long as the scans remain clear. His next treatment is not for another 3 months so he decided to head back home to catch up with family and friends and his doctors in Christchurch. They were very interested to see how Mike was doing. As Mike has not yet completed his oral chemotherapy they were unable to do a follow up scan but will do this in another 2 months when he has completed that course.

    In the meantime I am happy to report that Mike is feeling so well that he is keen to get a job. Great news!!!

    For now he is at home with us while he is job hunting and we are enjoying having him home again and so thankful to everyone that has made this possible.

    To have our son happy and smiling again is priceless. THANK YOU

    Also just to let you know this page will be closing down soon and we will continue to post updates on Mike's "Flight for Life" facebook page.

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  • New message from Heather, Dave & Mike

      1 June 2016

    Update time. Sorry its been a while but life is still a bit crazy.

    We had a wonderful time all together and have seen some amazing sights. Those memories will last a lifetime.

    Mike has been keeping well and although we had a great time together I think he was quite glad when we left so he could spend some time catching up with friends. After saying goodbye to us he headed back to Duderstadt for his next treatment. All went well and he was soon on an adventure catching up with friends from school including exchange students. They all looked after him and showed him all the sights.

    Mike is now back in Duderstadt having treatment again. His next treatment following this will be in 3 months time so he will be coming back to NZ next week (can't wait) and has check ups booked with the Drs in Christchurch. Fingers crossed all goes well. Thanks everyone for your continued support.

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  • Update from Heather in Germany

      19 April 2016

    Thanks to the huge generosity of a family friend, Mikes Dad David and his two Sisters have been able to make the journey to Germany to spend a couple of weeks with Mike and Heather. It has been a difficult time for all being separated by so many miles and the opportunity for the family to be together again has been such a blessing. Mike has just undergone his second lot of Chemo since he has been in Germany and as the dose has been much stronger it has knocked him around a little. Thankfully is it only a 5 day course and he seems to bounce back to health pretty quickly. His second round of Immuno therapy went really well and he is under the watchful eye of other specialists while he is there. Of course his Mum Heather is making sure she knows exactly what is going on and why..... no room for doubt here!

    I have also added the details of the final fund raising event being held at the Greymouth Workingmans Club. If you live locally please grab a ticket and head along for a fun filled night, with more amazing sports memorabilia up for auction. A list of the items will be available in the next few days so watch this space.

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  • Germany

      22 February 2016

    Mike and Heather have arrived safely in Duderstadt, Germany to a cool -1 brrr. They had a good trip over that included a short stopover in Houston where Mike got to visit the famous space station...a pilot's dream?. Both of them are in good sprits and today is the day.... Mike's first treatment! Thank you again and again as all your kind donations got him here. We will keep you updated on progress ....

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  • Paroa Hotel Fundraiser

      31 January 2016

    Last night was the Paroa Hotel fundraiser. What an awesome night, great atmosphere and outstanding people. Mike's video message is on you tube if you want to see it again (lol). Honestly, the support he has received from Greymouth and all of NZ has helped him to stay strong and positive. It is only two weeks until Mike and Heather fly out - to below 0 temperatures...brrrrr. Dave, Larni and Kalia will follow in April so they can all be together for a couple of weeks.

    As most of you know, the final decision was released this week regarding Matt's Coroners report, it was really really disappointing. But anyone who knows Matt will know he has more important things to sort out and is somewhere fighting hard for his big bro...while looking out his little sisters.

    The Grey Star and TV3 have been incredible. TV3 - Story who screen at 7pm week days are doing a 'story' on Mike and his fight to live. It will be on this week...we are not sure what day so keep an eye out.

    Last night we raised $24,213.70... A big well done everyone - to those who helped, to those who attended; and to those who missed out on a table, look out for the next fundraiser which will be at the Greymouth Workingmens Club in March. Count Me In Kev are playing live, we will have awesome food and another auction with good donations.

    Please accept our gratitude and thanks to everyone for everything you have done. It all helps Mike to win this fight.

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  • Fundraising

      14 January 2016

    Thanks everyone for your donations so far. Mike is doing well with his chemo and radiation treatment and is staying as positive as ever.

    A very generous donor has offered to pay for return flights to Germany. Mike and Heather have accepted this kind offer with gratitude and thanks. At this stage they will be flying out 16 Feb.

    The fundraiser money will be used to pay for Mike's treatment, special travel (associated costs), rehabilitation and follow-up treatment. Mike's initial treatment requires him to stay in Germany (or close by) for six months. Following this treatment and to ensure it is successful, he has to return to Germany every six months for one week to undergo further treatment.

    Mike has a long road and a big fight, his positive attitude, never ending humour, family and friends will help get him through. He is ready for Germany....

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    • 25/01/2016 by bhntvyet

      01/01/1967

  • Treatment

      3 January 2016
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    Mike has now started the standard treatment offered in New Zealand, which is the only treatment available here for this type of cancer. He has radiotherapy and an oral type of chemo thereapy 5 days a week. Although this treatment may offer some prolonging or delay in new tumour growth it will not cure the cancer.

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    • 25/01/2016 by bhntvyet

      01/01/1967

  • Treatment has started

      3 January 2016

    Mike started his chemo and radiation therapy in Chch at the start of this week. He is doing well and has an awesome attitude. This treatment was recommended by the Doctor's in Germany as a pre-treatment to the immuno therapy. Mike is on target to start the immuno on 22 Feb 16. Thanks again everyone....

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    • 25/01/2016 by bhntvyet

      01/01/1967

  • Malignant Brain Tumor

      15 December 2015
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    Treatment in NZ will not cure Mike - Germany is his best chance for survival.

    We desperately need your help to raise $150,000.00. Please share this link far and wide, the sooner we get Mike to Germany the better chance he has to live.

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    • 25/01/2016 by bhntvyet

      01/01/1967

  • Message from Dave and Heather

      23 November 2015
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    Update on Mike Gunter. Steroid has really kicked in now to help reduce swelling in his brain, and although he is exhausted from being woken every hour for the past 3 days he still has a sense of humour. Sat up and ate some breakfast this morning and pain has finally gone. Seen by neurosurgeon this morning. For operation on Thursday to remove tumour then we wait for results. Mike and his family are overwhelmed by the support we have received and "thankyou" doesn't seem enough but please know how much we appreciate it.

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    • 25/01/2016 by bhntvyet

      01/01/1967