Please help Catherine Sullivan fight aggressive stage 4 bowel cancer

Following a shock stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis at the age of 48, Catherine and her family now face paying for unfunded cancer therapies to buy her more precious time. Every little bit will help.

Catherine’s life was turned upside down in late January 2026 when she received her diagnosis. The cancer had already spread to her ovaries, peritoneum, liver and lungs resulting in a devastating terminal diagnosis.

Within 2 weeks, Catherine underwent urgent life-saving surgery to remove most of her colon and ovaries.

Catherine’s cancer involves the aggressive BRAF gene mutation. A targeted combination of drug therapies called Cetuximab and Encorafenib can be effective at inhibiting this mutation when used together, successfully prolonging life. Sadly, these therapies remain unfunded in New Zealand.

Catherine’s oncologist has indicated that combining these unfunded therapies with chemotherapy could meaningfully extend her remaining time with her family and loved ones – odds well worth pursuing.

Catherine is unable to continue working and to fund these therapies privately will cost the family at least $100K for the first six months and at least $55K each subsequent six months.

We’re reaching out on Catherine’s behalf to ease the financial burden that will come with choosing to fight for as much quality time as possible with her husband, Marcus, and sons Charlie (14) and Benji (12).