Please help Deb and her boys enjoy precious time together
Deb's family are covering some treatments privately, however we need help to pay for the full course of treatment the Oncologist recommends.
Waikato
Our wonderful Debbie was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer a month ago and it came as a huge shock. Deb is unfortunately one of a small percentage of people to get lung cancer without having ever smoked. Sadly, by the time symptoms occur, lung cancer is often advanced.
She has a great Oncology team and was commenced on standard chemotherapy promptly, with two rounds now complete. There were high hopes she would be a candidate for targeted mutation therapy, which is funded, but sadly she does not have either mutation. The drug (Keytruda) that may have the biggest impact on quality of life and the time she has with her precious boys, family, and friends is not funded in New Zealand for lung cancer currently. It seems that the impact of Covid-19 has put a hold on PHARMAC pursuing it any further. It has felt like one disappointment after another with regards to her treatment options.
Deb has two sons aged 14 and 15. Her life and the boys’ lives have been turned upside down. She has shown tremendous strength and fight already in what has been a hugely challenging month. We want to pursue Keytruda (administered every 3 weeks through a private hospital) as recommended by her Oncologist, to give her the best chance of quality time with her boys. Your support, any amount, to help fund this expensive therapy, would mean the world.
Sharlene Hensler's involvement (page creator)
I am Debbie's sister. I have been put in charge of setting up the page as I have a lot of time on my hands as I am currently in mandatory isolation as I have traveled from Australia to see my sister.
Use of funds
Funds will be spent on the treatment recommended by Deb's Oncologist. This treatment is the best chance Deb has to enjoy quality time with her boys. If Deb does not respond well to the treatment, excess funds will be put aside for her boys' future.
Latest update
We sadly announce the passing of our beloved Debbie. 21 June 2021
It is with completely broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Debbie, who passed away peacefully at Hospice Waikato on Sunday 20 June. Debbie was admitted to Hospice Waikato on 25 May and was sadly unable to return home. She fought a good fight and we are comforted knowing that she is now at peace.
We will be celebrating Debbie's life this Friday 25 June at 10.00am at Founders Chapel, Taupo Funeral Services, 117 Rickit Street, Taupo. All are very warmly invited to attend.
We want to make special mention of Waikato Hospice and the incredible staff and this beautiful facility. We were so beautifully well looked after as a family while Debbie was there. The care that Debbie received was exceptional. They treated Debbie with the utmost respect and dignity at all times. These people are angels on earth. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Debbie's name.
Latest donations
Dear Johanna, thank you very much for your donation and kind thoughts. We appreciate everyone's donations so much. Sharlene x
Thank you so much for your very kind donation. We are so grateful for all the donations and loving wishes. Sharlene x
Hi Leona, so wonderful catching up with you the other week. I hope everything is going well at your end. Thank you very much for your donation. Sharlene x
Hi Jody! Sorry for the delay in replying. Thank you so much for your very kind donation. I will remind Deb that our kids went to school together when we were all living in Greenwich. Gosh, haven't things changed since then! Hope you and the family are all well. Sharlene xxx
Dear Colin and family, thank you again for your ongoing support - it means so much to the family. Sharlene xxx
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