To help a brave young man to achieve his dream to get to France for the Rugby World Cup as he battles with Stage 4 melanoma.
Feilding, Manawatu-Wanganui
My 24 year old son Jack has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. This follows the removal of a melanoma from his neck early in 2022. He subsequently noticed a small lump on his neck in Nov 2022 but the Dr dismissed it with no further investigation, apart from a blood test. The lump grew quickly to the size of a golf ball at which time he was sent for a PET scan. This revealed that the melanoma had spread to the lymph nodes. He had major neck dissection surgery two weeks later, in Feb 2023 to remove lymph nodes in his neck. Radiation alone is not likely to be successful, and chemo isn't the answer. Immunotherapy seems to be the best option but it would cost $70,000. He has been offered a place on a clinical trial which involves keytruda and another drug, over the period of at least one year. The side effects look pretty daunting but it is really the only option now.His brother kindly bought him a ticket to the Rugby World Cup, which is to be held in October in France. This is an incentive for Jack stay strong and beat cancer. Donations towards plane fares and accomodation in France would help him achieve his goal. He is brave and uncomplaining, and so deserving of the opportunity to enjoy something special considering the battle he is going through.
Jack's mum
Airfares and accomodation.
Triumph in Melbourne 12 June 2024
Update on Jack! I'm in Melbourne and have seen Jack for the first time since he left NZ on the world rugby cup trip (thanks again everyone! He looks amazingly well and I haven't seen him laugh and smile like this in a long time. As usual he doesn't say much about his cancer, but things are certainly a million times better since he moved to Melbourne. I am humbled by how he has dealt with everything and continues to do so. I'm so grateful that he has been able to receive the latest drugs at no cost in Australia, and that the care he receives is so excellent. He remains on fortnightly treatment for another year.
NZ is far behind in this area and I feel absolutely gutted that life saving and life extending treatment is not freely available to all cancer patients in NZ.
Thankyou. Much appreciated.
Thankyou, you wonderful person xx
Thanks so much!
Thanks for your lovely, kind wishes and donation xx
Thanks so much for your generosity. It warms my heart xx
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