Please help Sophie and her family by donating towards the cost of groundbreaking CAR-T cancer treatment in Singapore
Christchurch, Canterbury
Our wonderful friend Sophie has been fighting Peripheral T-Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (PTCL), a rare blood cancer that affects less than 4% of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma sufferers. A bruised rib sent Sophie to her GP in August 2023, and on the 12th of September, she was told she had cancer.
Since then, Sophie has had 10+ rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants, including one from a donor. Unfortunately, due to the aggressiveness of her Lymphoma, her cancer relapsed in August 2024.
Sophie's best option is a ground-breaking CAR-T cell therapy offered at the National University Hospital of Singapore. This treatment has been very successful in achieving remission for other blood cancer sufferers, however Soph and Koryn have been quoted $500,000 USD (approx. $880,000 NZD) for treatment, requiring up to a 6-month stay.
Sophie, 29, has dedicated her life to serving others. She is currently a Detective Constable in Christchurch. Her partner Koryn is also a Police Officer, and together they have given over 22 years of public service.
In the face of this unexpected diagnosis, Sophie has approached it with incredible determination and grace. From specialists to hospital cleaners, she thanks everyone with her beautiful smile and kind eyes—even on her toughest days.
If you know Koryn and Sophie, you’ll know they’re not ones to ask for help. Sharing this page is a big step for them. This is the toughest fight yet for Soph and her family. Funds will go towards the treatment regardless of whether the goal is reached. Every dollar helps, and they’re beyond grateful for any support you can give.
I've been a close friend of Sophie's Fiancée Koryn for over 30 years
All funds raised will be used to fund Sophie's CAR-T cell therapy at the National University Hospital of Singapore and any other expenses that come with receiving overseas treatment
Update from Singapore 1 June 2025
Hello everyone, Koryn and Sophie here!
What a whirlwind the past four months have been. From finding out that Sophie had been accepted to receive the treatment in Singapore, to fund-raising the money to get here, and now to finally receiving these incredible CAR-T cells.
Words truly cannot express how grateful we are to each and every one of you for donating, sharing and wishing us well on this journey. The support, love and encouragement we have received has truly kept us going through every hiccup along the way.
Nine days ago, Sophie received her CAR-T infusion. We are in the middle of a 2-3 week intensive monitoring period where Sophie has been experiencing mild side effects as a result of the pre-infusion chemotherapy and CAR-T infusion. Fingers crossed these remain mild.
We are so grateful to the medical professionals both in New Zealand and Singapore who have supported us every step of the way and made this journey possible.
Thank you again to everyone.
Sophie and Koryn
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.