Please Help support Ruby in Her Fight Against Recurring Ovarian Cancer
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Fundraiser last week
29 January 2025Kia ora,
I’m excited to share some wonderful news about Ruby and the incredible support we've received from our community. Recently, the New Zealand Herald published an article about Ruby’s story and the collective efforts of those who have rallied around her.
Last Thursday, Hayley Wilkes, Steph Godsiff, Wendy Hopkinson, and I had the honor of hosting a fundraising event at Zane Gray’s. Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, we raised over $16,000 through raffles and auctions. The evening was filled with touching moments, including live music from local Northland musicians. One of the most special moments was Ruby’s performance of her song "Dig Deeper," marking her first time singing in front of a large crowd. She was joined by her family, who are also musicians, making it a truly heartwarming experience.
In addition, our Givealittle campaign has raised over $17,000, bringing the total funds raised to more than $33,000. This support has been crucial in helping cover Ruby’s treatment and travel expenses for her upcoming trip to Japan in February.
I’ve included a link to the article for those interested in learning more about Ruby’s journey and the impact of our community's efforts. Thank you all for your ongoing support. Together, we are making a meaningful difference!
Warm regards,
Jules
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Why Japan?- an update from Grace Gawler
21 January 2025Why Japan?
Ruby is fighting a rare ovarian cancer that requires treatment unavailable in New Zealand. For over 40 years, Japanese researchers have advanced cell-based immune therapies and cancer vaccines.
With help from her New Zealand medical team, Ruby has had part of her tumor sent to Japan, where it will be combined with her immune cells to create personalized vaccines. Over 8 days, Ruby will receive these vaccines, designed to help her immune system target and destroy cancer cells. This treatment has shown promise, particularly for rare and difficult cancers like Ruby’s, and has helped many of my clients over the past decade.
When raising funds for treatments, it’s important to ensure they are directed to legitimate, evidence-based therapies. Ruby will be treated by a highly respected immunologist, regarded as the "Father of Immune Therapy" in Japan and Asia, who has dedicated his career to cancer immunology.
As Ruby’s cancer navigator based in Australia, I’m asking for your support in her fight for life. Ruby, her husband, and their young family are facing this challenge head-on, and your support will be invaluable.
Thank you for helping Ruby on her journey.
Grace Gawler – Cancer Navigator
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An update on Ruby’s journey
14 January 2025Kia Ora everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share an update on Ruby’s journey. As many of you know, she recently underwent a laparotomy, and I’m delighted to report that the surgery went well. The first week of recovery was quite challenging for her, but as of today, she is two weeks post-surgery and feeling much more mobile and positive.
Ruby spent New Year's Eve in the hospital, but she managed to have a magical view of the fireworks, which brought a little sparkle to her night despite the circumstances. While we are still waiting for the histology results from her biopsy, we are in the process of booking her trip to Japan! Due to the risk of DVT, she wasn’t allowed to fly until 5 to 6 weeks post-surgery, so we’re looking at mid-February for her departure.
I want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to Ruby's Give a Little page. Your kindness and support mean the world to her, and she is truly overwhelmed by the generosity shown.
She had a meeting with her doctors last week, and they are optimistic about her receiving T cell therapy and tumor lysate therapy. We’re all praying for her journey ahead and are so thankful for each of you who are part of it.
Thank you once again for all your support!
Warm regards,
Jules
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