Be a part of Shirley's fearless fight against stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Shirley, a dedicated mother and nana, faces a battle with pancreatic cancer and now needs support to manage the costs of her treatment.
Auckland
Shirley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January, where the mass was blocking her bile duct. It was initially deemed operable. However, multiple unsuccessful attempts to put a stent to reopen the duct pushed the operation date out. When the day finally rolled around in March, the operation was unsuccessful due to the surgeons finding further masses on Shirley's liver. After eight weeks of healing from an unsuccessful surgery, a ruptured spleen, and more stents, Shirley began the only option left - chemotherapy.
Being fit and healthy before her diagnosis meant that Shirley was able to receive the gold-standard chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer, but this has come at a high cost to her physical and financial well-being. She has not been able to work, and the cost of travelling 70km weekly to appointments is challenging. Significant side effects of treatment - neuropathy and fatigue - mean she is struggling to maintain house and garden work as well as meal prep. To improve her quality of life and take some of this stress off Shirley, donations are needed to help her with these challenges.
Rachel Klein's involvement (page creator)
My name is Rachel, and as Shirley's daughter, I am setting up this page to seek support for my mother, who has been a steadfast pillar of positivity and mental and family wellness, now grappling with the profound challenges of pancreatic cancer.
Use of funds
Any donations received will go into helping Shirley's quality of life by removing stress associated with travel costs, hiring a cleaner/gardener, meals and items to help make her neuropathy more bearable (such as gloves).
Latest update
A message from Shirley: 13 December 2024
Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Drury Strength and Fitness Family,
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support you have shown me this year. Your kindness—whether through financial generosity, heartfelt messages, or simply being there for me—has made all the difference in my journey.
While the road hasn’t been easy, I feel blessed to have such a compassionate and steadfast community behind me. Though chemotherapy is no longer an option, I feel great and remain hopeful, focusing on holistic health, exercise, and nutrition. My faith sustains me, and I believe miracles can and do happen.
Physically, I’m navigating some challenges, including peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue. I feel great in many other ways and remain determined to focus on what I can do to maintain my health and keep my spirits high.
The donations I have received have been a lifeline, helping me explore private professionals and manage daily living expenses.
Beyond the financial assistance, the emotional support, prayers, and encouragement have been a source of strength and hope for me. Knowing I’m surrounded by such incredible people keeps me grounded and uplifted every day.
Thank you for walking this path with me and lifting me in ways I cannot fully express.
With all my heart, have a wonderful Christmas Season
Shirley
Latest donations
Thank you for your support ❤️
Thank you for your support ❤️
Thank you for your support ❤️
Thank you for your support ❤️
Who's involved?
Help Fundraise
You can create your own page to help fundraise for this cause.Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.