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Kelly’s fight for life ...

  • Goodbye for now

      30 April 2021
    Posted by: Christopher & Kelly Retter

    Its with broken hearts that we need to let you all know that Kelly passed away tonight so peacefully surrounded by her family. We all know what a tough cookie Kelly has been but she has earned her wings now. We will miss her more than any words can explain 💔

    Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those that we love. Where there is deep grief there was great love.

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    • 02/05/2021 by Jeanette

      I am so sad for you., and share your grief. My own very precious daughter lost her battle with breast cancer just seven days ago.

      The utter disbelief and desolation we feel at such senseless loss is unimaginable to most .

      Somehow life must go on and time will help to heal this most awful wound, but all wounds leave a scar and it is that which we must learn to live with

      <3 <3 <3

  • Devastated

      13 April 2021
    Posted by: Christopher & Kelly Retter

    To our givealittle family...

    It is with great sadness that I must share with you the news we were delivered on Friday last week.

    I don’t even know how to put this into words, but here goes.

    After a week receiving amazing care at Middlemore Hospital it was decided to move Kelly up to Auckland City Hospital. This allowed her Oncology teams the chance to fully assess Kelly’s current situation.

    A CT scan was taken of Kelly’s upper body to give a clear picture of what she is battling. Unfortunately this scan delivered some devastating results.

    Kelly’s cancer has continued to grow and spread aggressively despite the many treatments our brave girl has endured.

    We are completely gutted and heartbroken. How can this be happening to such a beautiful person.

    Our focus now turns to making Kelly as comfortable as possible.

    Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments have been stopped as they are proving ineffective.

    We have met with doctors at private clinics to explore alternative treatments but at the present time Kelly is too unwell to start these.

    Kelly will soon move to Totara Hospice to ensure her pain relief is effective before coming home to be with her family.

    Thank you to everyone who has come along on this journey with Kelly, your messages of support have given her the strength to fight on, day after day. We are forever grateful for the love shown to Kelly along the way.

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    • 13/04/2021 by Tania

      My thoughts are with you Kelly and your beautiful family. I haven't seen you personally for years but know that you and your family are the genuine, kind hearted people around. Thinking of you all. Big hugs from Australia ❤❤

    • 23/04/2021 by Fiona Dalziel

      Darling Kelly I’m so very devastated to hear of your diagnosis and battle with this hideous cancer! I know we haven’t been in contact for awhile nevertheless I remember you as a wee thing, a kid and a teenager and it was a pleasure for me to have silly fun times. I remember discussions about you one day having my mustang.

      Do you remember guy fawkes nights at Drury? Reading what has been written about you and the woman you have become doesn’t surprise me it sounds just like the traits I saw in that awesome,bright, clever, cheeky fun loving kid.

      It may sound cliche but I loved the Kemp’s one and all and you particularly Kelly it’s one of my great fortunes in life that I had you my life for the time I did.

      I send my love to you sweet girl I will hold you in my heart and keep you in my thoughts. Much love Flea

  • A week off they said?

      2 April 2021
    Posted by: Christopher & Kelly Retter

    What was supposed to be a week of rest and recovery has been anything but! It seems that this disease has a mind of its own.

    Kelly started to feel unwell on Monday and by Tuesday morning had a temperature of 39.2, alerting us to the possibility of an infection. After a call to her oncology team it was advised to visit Middlemore hospital for a check up.

    It was indeed an infection causing trouble, along with elevated calcium levels in the blood due to the bone metastases. To add to the mix a single fraction of palliative radiation was given to the tumour in Kelly’s shoulder on Wednesday to try and help with her pain.

    Words cannot express how grateful we are that Kelly comes from such an amazing family and that she has such great friends supporting her. All the kind messages have helped Kelly through this week for sure.

    Mum Sue is an absolute machine, she’s been by Kelly’s side 24/7, helping her through every day, even working from the chair at her bedside to look after her girl. We would be lost without her!

    Many thanks to all the amazing people who have donated and shared messages of support for Kelly.

    After such a turbulent week we are looking forward to having Kelly home soon.

    Kelly’s strength and determination should be inspiration to us all.

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  • Well done!

      26 March 2021
    Posted by: Christopher & Kelly Retter
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    Ok so today is day 3 and the final treatment for this cycle of chemo. Next week Kelly gets a well deserved break from treatments to allow her time to rest up before the next cycle.

    It has been a difficult week, battling the side effects of treatment but Kelly continues to put up an incredible fight.

    We’ve been in contact with some private clinics and managed to secure an appointment to discuss further therapies and additional treatment options.

    We’re forever grateful for the continued support and messages of encouragement. Thank you so much for the generosity and love for Kelly at this time.

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    • 06/04/2021 by Michelle

      You're being so strong Kelly, great work! Hannah Burney and I are thinking of you and really hope you can beat this. Take care and be kind to yourself. Sending you lots of love, sunshine, peace, happiness and strength. Mickey Donaldson

  • The battle continues.

      19 March 2021
    Posted by: Christopher & Kelly Retter
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    Today is day 2 of Kelly’s current chemo cycle and she’s taking it like a champ.

    Since this page was created we have been totally overwhelmed by the level of support and love pouring in, huge thanks to everyone for your generous donations and messages of support. It has definitely put a smile on Kelly’s face and allowed her to focus on continuing her good fight against this horrible disease.

    When you face off against cancer, you learn to live life one day at a time and enjoy the little things. Most importantly, you learn to never give up!

    We’ll try to update weekly as Kelly continues on her journey.

    Thanks again for the amazing support.”

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    • 19/03/2021 by Helle

      Thanks for the update, nice to hear how Kelly is rather than just wondering.

    • 19/03/2021 by Vanessa Morton

      Love you Kels you got this 100% ...

    • 22/03/2021 by Heather

      Kia kaha Kelly, what an amazing person you are and have always been 😊 keep going 😘