Kristin's Ironman Race for NET Cancer NZ

My name is Kristin and my mother passed away from Neuroendocrine (NET) Cancer in January 2022.

Mum had likely been suffering from carcinoid NETs for many years before her slightly elevated liver levels were investigated to find and slow growing stage four cancer. This was a Gastrointestinal NETs that had metastasised to her liver. Mum was a classic carcinoid presentation with erratic high blood pressure, fatigue, flushing, unexplained IBS and eventually dramatic weight loss. All of these symptoms were dismissed as menopause or results of being slightly overweight until she changed her GP. Mum survived 3 months from diagnosis and had completed her first round of chemo when she died. She didn’t have the opportunity to reach out to meet some of the other NETs patients in New Zealand but she was swiftly swept into the caring arms of the NETs team in Wellington and we are so grateful for their help and support. This diagnosis was shocking but provided Mum justification for her ongoing difficulties with her symptoms.

I am wanting to give back to the NETs community we were so briefly introduced to and do a small part in raising awareness about this disease that is so easily misdiagnosed.

I am training for the Taupo 70.3 Ironman on 02 March, 2024 as my Fundraising Event - an event I know mum would’ve be proud to see me achieve.

Any donations big or small will make a huge difference.