Let's help Pedja in his battle with CLL

Pedja was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphatic leukemia), in 2006. He lived a very healthy life for many years with very little symptoms. In fact many people did not even realise Pedja had this condition as he was doing really well. He kept healthy with his diet and positive nature until more recently he started showing more symptoms that the disease was progressing.

A few weeks ago he was hospitalized, needing blood transfusions for anemia and antibiotics for an underlying pneumonia. As CLL weakens the immune system, it is more common to pick up infections. When Pedja was discharged, the doctors told him he may only have 1 year to live.

Pedja is a self employed locksmith and has eight children aged 16 down to 2 years old. With CLL chemo is only given in the later stages of the disease. The full dose chemo the doctors want to give Pedja is not recommended for older patients as it is very harsh. So, people may understand why Pedja has opted out from this treatment. Instead he and his wife Michelle, have been looking at other treatment options.

Unfortunately these come at a cost and this is why they need a little or a lot of help!

Non funded drugs which have shown more positive results are not funded in NZ. They cost around $6000 per month. This would be an ongoing cost. However, since Pedja and Michelle have been researching and reading a lot on integrative treatments, they have found a few clinics overseas which may help Pedja manage his CLL and have better quality of life.

These clinics offer a variety of treatments, addressing the body as a whole. Treatments sometimes include low dose chemo and immunotherapy, however these are supplemented by boosting the immune system with IV vitamin c, ozone therapy, curcumin, dendritic cell treatment, resveratrol etc. The clinics also offer accommodation, meals and pick up from the airport. 4 weeks of treatment at most clinics we have contacted is around $50,000.

While one of these clinics is the preferred treatment for Pedja, the family is leaving the outcome in God's hands as they await funding through this Givealittle page. They realise it is a lot of money and if they do not manage to raise enough, they will use whatever has come in towards whatever treatment they can afford which might be just going for some IV vitamin c in NZ or Australia and for some time away from work to rest.

Every little bit you contribute helps and is hugely appreciated by Pedja and his whole family!

Pedja and Michelle would also appreciate your prayers that the Lord would give them wisdom to make the right decisions.