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Be a part of Shirley's fearless fight against stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

  • Thank you

      24 May 2025

    Thank you all for your support of mum - this kept her going for so much longer than we could have ever hoped ❤️ we are closing donations 😊

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  • Our warrior

      23 April 2025
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    I didn’t think I would be writing this post so soon, but here we are. 💔

    Our brave warrior queen passed away last night. We are overwhelmed with broken hearts and sadness, but know mum is still here with us. We have definitely felt her presence surrounding us today, and I am sure we will continue to feel it over the coming days as we process this gigantic loss and the hole that’s been left in our hearts.

    Thank you to all those who have supported mum with her impressive and courageous battle. She is and will forever be an inspiration to us all.

    Mum has opted for a memorial service, details of this will be organised by Marcus, Autumn and myself over the coming days, and information will be shared once we have had some time to process our heartbreak.

    For the time being, we would love everyone to send letters to/for mum or share stories and photos of her sent to *celebratingshirley2025@gmail.com*. If your files are too large, please note that in your email and I will send you a link where you can upload them directly to the Dropbox.

    I am happy for this post to be shared around.

    Much love to you all,

    Rachel

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  • A message from Shirley:

      13 December 2024
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    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

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  • Update on Shirley

      31 August 2024

    Shirley is overwhelmed and grateful by the response and support everyone has shown her over the past few weeks.

    She has got a private oncology appointment on Monday to discuss other treatment options as there have been mixed messages around if the current treatment regime is working and the best path forward.

    Shirley started this with saying she is going to put everything into fighting it, and that is exactly what she is doing and is holding on to faith and hope.

    Once again, thank you so much for everyone’s support - without the support, we would be struggling through this time. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

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  • Cycle 7! 🤩

      7 August 2024
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    The morning started with a little walk around the Auckland Domain and winter gardens before heading in for Mum’s 7th chemo cycle. She is feeling overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity, and it has taken such a weight off her knowing some of the essential costs for things like travel are taken care of for the next half of treatment. Thank you so much!

    We are hopeful there will be some more progress, and that there will be some shrinkage in this half. To date, there has been growth in two lesions, but the rest of them (including the main mass) have remained stable. Mum is also considering the option of private care as there is another unfunded chemotherapy available. However, this does come with a hefty cost, so it is just being explored as another option at this point.

    I want to say thank you again for the generosity everyone has shown mum, and the support everyone is providing during this battle. ❤️ We love you all.

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