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Kiri Walker's fight against cancer

  • Forever in our hearts

      19 January 2025
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    Saying ‘thank you’ will never be enough.

    As you will know, we lost our beautiful, fierce, kind Kiri quickly, but peacefully, on 3rd Jan.

    She fought so hard throughout her diagnosis and treatment; and was so very grateful for all your love, support, gifts, messages, fundraising and Givealittle donations. Scott has now confirmed that the final immunotherapy treatment has been paid, and so this page will be closed.

    Scott, Reid and Emmie want to express their immense gratitude for all your generous donations and fundraising efforts that helped give Kiri some precious extra time with them.

    On behalf of Team Walker, thank you for everything you did for Kiri - financially and emotionally.

    Fly high, our beautiful friend. Our memories of you will live forever.

    Team Walker all the way 💜

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  • You don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have

      17 September 2024
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    So much has happened since our last update. Kiri has now completed three rounds of chemo, and although the after-effects can be brutal (to say the least), she is coping really well. But there are other health complications. Kiri has spent more time in hospital than anyone deserves fighting multiple gallbladder infections. She keeps smiling and shows a strength of character that is inspiring to everyone.

    The chemo is currently doing its job, but it will only go so far. In our last update, we mentioned a secondary unfunded treatment (immuno-therapy) that would give Kiri more time. These drugs are showing great results in prolonging life particularly for women with cervical cancer.

    Initially, Team Walker decided to wait to start the immuno treatment to give them more time to save (it is still unfunded), but cancer waits for no one. So to ensure Kiri has the best chance possible, she has now had her first treatment, with nine more to go.

    Team Walker is doing all they can to keep funding it, and they are beyond grateful for all you have done already. Your generosity in donations and support continues to overwhelm Kiri and Scott, and they don’t take it for granted. If you have any successful fundraising ideas that we could use, please let us know. In the meantime, if you would share this update so we can continue to raise the profile of Kiri’s fight, we’d really appreciate it.

    Thanks again, all. We will do everything we can, for as long as we can. Team Walker all the way!

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  • Time is precious

      14 June 2024

    Firstly, on behalf of Kiri and Team Walker, from the bottom of their hearts, thank you. Your donations, messages, gifts, love and support mean more than you can ever imagine.

    In the 6 weeks since diagnosis, Kiri's prognosis has become clearer and, not to put too fine a point on it, her treatment options are limited; surgery and radiation are not possible.

    Four weeks ago, Kiri had a one-off treatment of radiotherapy to help regenerate her blood and allow her body to recover enough to start the chemotherapy that will fight the cancer. Kiri is now fit enough to start her first round of chemotherapy, which will happen every 3 weeks for the next 3 months.

    As you know, the government recently reneged on their pledge to fund vital cancer drugs in NZ. This news came as Kiri was told of an additional treatment that could prolong her life significantly, but it comes at a huge cost: approx $6k per treatment given in conjunction with chemotherapy. This drug (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab) will give Kiri extra precious time with her family and while she will start it with chemo, it can continue once chemo has stopped, however the cost per visit remains the same. The good news is that the total cost is capped at $52k, which means that Kiri can continue once the cap is reached.

    Thanks again for all your support. I appreciate that we have asked a lot from our families and friends, and we are once again asking if you can dig even deeper to help Kiri get as much precious time as she can with Reid, Emmy and Scott. ❤️

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