David Butler for Karen Marie Butler

Our sister Karen is in stage 4 metastatic melanoma. She is not unique in that – lots of wonderful, much loved Kiwi’s are and we salute and pray for each and everyone of you and your families. But right now, we need your help to buy the medication she needs. We hope and pray that you can see it in your heart to help a much loved mother, grandmother and sister in the fight of her life.Life for Karen has been tough over the years, and as the youngest member of a family that once numbered 13 children, (cancer has been here before!), the thought of losing our youngest sibling is one pill that is too hard for this family and her children to swallow.

Unfortunately, to save her, it is Karen that has to swallow the pills - $88,000 worth of them! Vemurafenib is a non funded drug, and acts much like Keytruda as an inhibitor that will slow and reduce the growth of her melanoma.

Karen is a proud, amazingly resilient 55 year old woman whose road in life has been full of challenges. Very, very hard challenges.

She is also a very private and humble woman and so we can’t relay much of her story here.

Why?

Because she doesn’t want us to make her out to be more special or more in need than the many other people and families going through unimaginable traumas and life challenges that are happening around us right now, and many of those stories are via this very website.

She is a proud Kiwi. Handouts have never been her style. If you want something – you better go out and earn it!

Unfortunately, Karen can’t go out and earn the money for her much needed drug treatment because her melanoma is spreading through her body rapidly day by day, but believe us, if she could she would! She is the epitome of the Kiwi Battler. As a family, our resources are limited, hence this appeal for your help.

For many years she has worked two jobs, averaging 50 – 60 hours a week, to make sure she has paid her way in life and provided for her family. She still was up to a few weeks ago – malanoma and all – because her workmates were short-staffed!!

Karen has one wish – to see her second grandchild born in August. With your help, this Kiwi Battler can have at least that. She has worked all her life for it! Ironic isn’t it? If you have it in your heart to help Karen, any and all donations will be treasured as another chance at life. From our family, from Karen and her children, please accept our most humble and sincere thanks for any assistance you can give.