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Please help Izzy kick cancer to the curb

  • That's a wrap!

      9 December 2022
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    It seems fitting that we share the final update around the same time that we first shared that Izzy had cancer. We are so thrilled to say that Izzy has indeed kicked cancer to the curb!

    Izzy completed her final chemotherapy on the 10th of October. Following that she had a few weeks of blood tests, scans and tests then on the 10th of November she had her lines removed, meaning the treatment is completely over.

    When we first entered this journey, this date was so far away we couldnt see the light. Now that it's all over Izzy has picked right back up where she left off exactly 1 year ago.

    Izzy sat her school exams, picking up a few credits along the way and last weekend she travelled to Tauranga with a group of friends to take part in the national Aquabot competition, where they placed 2nd!

    Thank you to everyone who has helped us get Izzy to where she is today, a healthy, strong and sound young woman.

    Today Izzy was given her final beads of courage including the grand purple heart! All together she collected 791 beads - 1 bead for every doctor visit, treatment, setback, blood transfusion and more. Seeing all of the courage beads together gives you a view of what the year has involved.

    We have been inundated with love and support throughout this journey and we will forever be thankful to everyone.

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    • 11/12/2022 by Betty

      Awesome news Best wishes for the future for you Izzy and your family

      Betty Newman

  • Winter update.

      12 August 2022
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    As this givealittle nears the end, here is the winter update. Over the last two months a lot has occurred. Firstly, Izzy celebrated her 16th birthday. She was able to celebrate her birthday in Christchurch between treatments. Friends came down from Nelson, her Aunty & young cousins came over from Perth, and almost everyone we know in Christchurch made it! The celebration was well needed and deserved by all; Izzy had a blast.

    Treatments are still ongoing; however, Izzy is now able to receive some treatment in Nelson meaning she has officially moved home! Travel to Christchurch is still required but for overnight treatment only. The treatment still causes Izzy some awful side effects, but Izzy is tough and is learning to be quite resilient. It is expected sometime during the next month or so, Izzy will have an MRI to see how effective the treatments have been. We will keep you posted once this has occurred.

    Some positive news is during the recent school holidays Izzy met with her deputy principle and they arranged classes that Izzy is able to attend, which provides some normality to her life once or twice a week. On top of this, Izzy has been granted a make a wish. Thanks to this amazing foundation Izzy and her family are off to Auckland for a holiday which includes seeing Ed Sheeran along with a range of daily activities.

    We will provide a final update following the results of the MRI. Thanks for everyone for there positive thoughts, love, donations and sticking with us!

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  • Radiation completed and lots of other fun updates

      28 May 2022
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    Congratulations to Izzy for completing her radiation treatments! A long 31 days of enduring the treatments while continuing her chemotherapy. It has been a big month and a great achievement so far. The radiation team put on a celebration for Izzy’s last day and gifted her a very warm and cozy looking Oodie which will be perfect for the up coming winter. Izzy loves it! We all want one now.

    Jez and the kids made their way down to Christchurch from Nelson during the school holidays to gather. During this time the family enjoyed a trip to Akaroa, a much needed break allowing everyone to regroup and be together for a couple of days. This is all possible with the help of give a little and every donation so far has been appreciated so much. So thank you.

    Paula, Jodie’s cousin, put on a fundraiser which also contributed to the funds giving everyone a great boost in donations as well. So a big thank you to Paula and everyone who banded together to make that happen. It was lovely to hear about everyone participating in the event, and for such a great cause.

    Recently we had Grandma visit from Australia which has been a long anticipated visit, from both sides. Izzy enjoyed spending time with her Grandma and it allowed for a great catch up over the three weeks she was here.

    There are some fun things coming up such as Izzy’s sweet 16th and another exciting event which we will update on soon. In the meantime, a big thank you to everyone who has helped so far making all of these things possible for Izzy.

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  • An Update From Izzy & Family

      4 March 2022
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    While Izzy and our family are preparing for the next stage in her treatment, we have been fortunate to spend a few days together in Nelson which has been such a good feeling. It is hard to believe it has been 103 days since Izzy has been able to sleep in her own bed!

    The next stage in treatment consists of radiotherapy which will commence towards the end of this month. Treatment will be every weekday for 6 weeks. Weekends off from treatment will be nice. Following the 6 weeks of radiotherapy Izzy will recommence chemotherapy. The benefit of radiotherapy treatment is Izzy will not endure the nasty side effects that chemotherapy causes, and likely Izzy will not have to stay in the hospital during this time.

    Since our last update, Izzy was able to spend some time with one of her closest friends who traveled from Nelson to Christchurch and stayed with Izzy. This opportunity would have not been possible if not for the generous donations we have received. Izzy and her friend played video games, ate takeaways, and lounged about spending quality girl time together.

    As Izzy starts to regain muscle strength in her legs and foot, she has been able to walk without the use of crutches for short distances and only requires the use of her wheelchair for longer distances.

    Izzy has started health school which is facilitated through the district health board. Izzy is thrilled and enjoying the education. Keeping her mind active is also assisting Izzy. She has always loved schooling. The learning is relaxed and is structured around her treatment and recovery times. The delivery is a mixture of face-to-face and online.

    Finally, we would like to thank everybody for their help and kind words. There has been a lot of unexpected help in ways we could have never imagined, such as the neighbours maintaining the gardens, lending of a vehicle, after-school care, along with an extended invitation for provision in Christchurch helping all of us to stay together.

    As Izzy progresses through her treatment, we will continue to provide updates to inform you of her journey.

    Many thanks,

    Lodge family.

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    • 06/03/2022 by Zoe

      Looking Great Iz!

      You got this 👊🏻👊🏻

  • A Quick Update on Izzy’s Progress

      10 February 2022
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    Just a quick update regarding Izzy and her treatment to date.

    Izzy received some positive news recently following her latest MRI. The tumour has pulled away from the nerve area which now provides Izzy other options for further treatment. There has been noticeable improvement in Izzys mobility which provides her independence.

    Waitangi weekend Izzy has had her family down from Nelson. This would not have been possible without the generous donations the family has received. Family visits are essential for Izzys well being during these challenging times.

    The family is very grateful for all the support and well wishes and will be providing a more detailed update in the next week or so once treatment options have been finalised.

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    • 14/08/2022 by Betty

      Best wishes Izzy for your future A brave girl 🥰🥰🥰🥰

  • We hope you all had a lovely Christmas, and we wish you well for the New Year.

      4 January 2022
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    We hope you all had a lovely Christmas, and we wish you well for the New Year.

    Our family would like to provide you all a fresh update on Izzy’s journey.

    It has been a very busy few weeks in and out of the hospital, with various treatments, appointments and necessary stays. Today Izzy commences round 3 of chemo. Izzy is bravely handling the chemo side effects and is managing to maintain her beautiful smile throughout. Izzy remained in hospital over Christmas due to fighting high temperatures which a side effects from treatments. Thankfully Izzy was briefly able to leave hospital for a short time to for a special lunch with her family.

    There has been lots of love and support and many questions regarding Izzy’s journey.

    We thought we would share Izzy’s Beads of Courage. Every coloured bead on Izzy’s chain represents a procedure that Izzy has faced. As you can see by the number of beads and particular colours, Izzy has already endured a lot of procedures within a short time. We are all very proud of Izzy’s courage and progress to date.

    Although it is too soon to confirm how treatment is impacting the cancer, there has been a positive sign with Izzy being able to put weight on her foot meaning she has been able to spend short periods of time out of her wheelchair.

    A very kind friend has offered a house in town within close proximity to the hospital so this has been a big help enabling Izzy to get to and from the hospital easily when needed. It allows the family to spend time together and enjoy some BBQ's and small things like play which have a huge impact on everyone's mental health during this time. Thank you so much!

    The family is extremely grateful and very humbled by all the support they have received to date. The support is assisting Izzy immensely at this time.

    All support received assists with talking care of Izzy’s wellbeing, bringing the family together and assisting with travel, accommodation and living costs during this extremely difficult time.

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  • Thank you Thank you Thank you

      13 December 2021
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    Jodie and all of us wanted to make a mention to everyone who has given contributions and well wishes, those who have shared and contributed to help in any way they can that It means the world and has put a smile on Issy's face. A massive thank you to everyone.

    "The last 4 weeks have been filled with tests, scans, more tests and more medication than I've ever seen. We have been in and out of hospital thankfully getting short doses of some normality like eating out and shopping and we find something to laugh at or about every day. Yesterday Izzy had her second dose of chemotherapy, which has knocked her about a bit but it's the nerve pain that bothers her the most."

    " Izzy has been so overwhelmed by the flood of messages and token of love being sent to her, thanks to every single person who brings a smile to her because that then gives me one, and that passes on to my amazing husband at home holding the fort with the kids. I'll try to keep updates as we go along, we are still learning what is happening and how to handle it ourselves. Lots of love right back at you all"

    The family were able to make it down this weekend to spend some time together which was a treat, keeping everyone in good spirits. Issy is counting down the days until they're back together over the Christmas break again.

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  • Car sorted

      4 December 2021

    Thanks for the offers of cars flowing in everyone. This is now sorted as we have organised for a vehicle to be bought down from Nelson, and have an offer of a vehicle we can utilise in the meantime if needed. We will know next week if this is needed however pushing for accomodation within the city centre area close to the hospital to make getting to and from as easy as possible, without the need for driving/parking.

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  • Ronald McDonald house no longer accomodating

      3 December 2021

    Ronald McDonald house are unable to accommodate at this time so money for a rental car will also be a cost involved. If we do have family or friends in the Christchurch area who are able to lend a spare car which a wheelchair would fit in, then that would be extremely helpful as new accomodation is likely to be a distance from the hospital

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