Keep Karen Loving Life – Purchase the Palbociclib (Ibrance)...Please

My motto is to “love life” and I am a fighter, but I need your help to raise money to fund the Palbociclib (Ibrance) treatment. In October 2018, after being breast cancer free for 7 years, I was been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

In 2011, I was faced with the toughest fight of my life. 7 years ago, I had been recently married and expecting a baby when my life was turned upside down. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I suffered a miscarriage and lost the baby beginning the toughest fight of my life. I have been through hell and back but with my positive outlook on life and support from family, friends and colleagues, I was one of the lucky ones and I went into full remission. I refused to be beaten and was grateful and fortunate to have got through all the chemo, mastectomy and associated personal turmoil.

The whole experience made me realise what was really important and as I grew stronger, I became more determined to keep loving life and trying to support others going through similar fights.

In 2013, I setup the Air New Zealand team to take part in the inaugural “Ride to Conquer Cancer” which is a 200km cycle to support ground-breaking research & clinical trials at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC). Our team raised an impressive $50,000.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10892073

I am also part of the Purego cycling team who, “Ride hard, Have Fun, Do Good”, raise money for Cure Kids. We have successfully raised over $3,000 per year. In June 2018, I set up the inaugural “Rhythm and Wines” event to raise money for the Westpac Chopper appeal. Raising over $6,500 to help fund this amazing service that saves so many lives.

I had been blessed, unlike thousands of other people who have lost their fight with this cruel disease. My scans have been all clear and the doctors recommended that I continue my Tamoxifen treatment for a further 3 years.

Overall the future ahead looked so bright and positive. Until in October 2018, I was admitted to hospital with a potential virus infection. After many tests, I was delivered the devastating news that the breast cancer was back, and has now spread to my lungs and surrounding area.

I have been diagnosed with Stage 4, Metastatic Breast Cancer. We are all hoping that the advanced breast cancer can be controlled by hormone therapy treatment and this treatment gives me the best chance.

This is where I need your help. I have so much more to do. So many more people to help.

I have started all possible recommended treatments straight away; Zoladex, Letrozole, and Palbociclib.

Here's the kicker; Palbociclib is a NON-FUNDED Pharmac drug even though it will significantly improve my chances. This drug costs almost NZD $6,000 a month and will be fully funded after 11 months of treatment.

I am not good at asking people for help but in this instance, I am going to need your assistance to help prolong my life.

Please help me to raise the money to get the best treatment possible, as I am far from done “loving life” and making the most of it for myself and others.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Your support means the world to me, my family and friends.

“Love Life”

Karen Nimmo (aka Shelton) xxx