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Support Catherine Cooke to beat triple negative breast cancer (TNBC); a woman who gives so much to so many

  • Thank you and a plea for further support

      27 September 2026
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke

    I continue to forge on with my advocacy despite the financial difficulty of having to fund the balance of my medical treatment. I would be grateful if anyone who has donated could share my givealittle page on your own social media pages. If having an aggressive cancer diagnosis wasn't bad enough, funding the medicines meant the bank required us to sell a business in a difficult economic environment in 2025, leaving us with a debt loss added to our mortgage of $700k. The bank now wants us to sell our home. Yes I am alive, however the guilt of having cancer, coupled with the burden of debt and losing my home means the stress never goes away. I hope my continued advocacy which includes currently the Humans Rights Commission writing up a complaint from my complaint will keep this issue front and centre. New Zealanders should be valued. BusinessNZ's recent analysis is in line with what I have been saying in that we are already paying the long game of decline and that medicines are an investment to the govt & crown not a cost: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2609/S00084/medicines-investment-would-pay-for-itself-and-strengthen-nz-economy-businessnz.htm

    I have to hope that there will be some great benefit from my adversity. Some days it is hard to see what that is. Again thank you for your support - much love Catherine xo

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  • The hits keep on coming

      2 September 2026
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    Sadly I have to keep this page running. I am still $45k short for the medicines I needed and the bank is now saying that they want our house. We aren't in default but sadly to fund the medicine we had to sell a business at a $700k loss and the bank placed this on our mortgage. I continue to advocate and go to Parliament to get the drug funded for others but sadly my financial situation means I will be without a home in the next 6 months and if my cancer returns no way to fund future medicines. If I had of lives in 40 other countries the medicine would have been funded and I would not be in this position. I would be grateful if you could share my page and give where you can. Thank you. Arohanui.

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  • Double Charity Event - Breast Cancer Foundation NZ & Dress for Success Auckland

      6 June 2026
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    Come join me for a Combined Charity fun breakfast that supports breast cancer awareness for the Breast Cancer Foundation & empowers women to Dress for Success on Sunday 21 June.

    A beautiful morning of connection, purpose and community as we come together to support two charities making a real difference in the lives of women across New Zealand.

    This special seated breakfast is about more than breakfast. It’s about bringing people together to create meaningful impact.

    MY GOALS:

    >Raise $10,000 for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

    >Collect 1000+ new or nearly new clothing items for Dress for Success Auckland

    Sell some of my designer items to bridge my funding shortfall gap for my treatment. If every guest brings 10 garments or handbags, together we can help stock Dress for Success Auckland with beautiful pieces for women needing confidence and support entering employment or rebuilding their lives. As many know, I continue advocating nationally for funded access to Keytruda for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

    >I am still personally fundraising towards my own treatment journey & will have some of my designer fashion pieces available for purchase on the day - Camilla, Trelise Cooper & other labels.

    >There will also be silent auctions with all proceeds shared between both charities.

    Book here:- https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/combined-charity-brunch-pink-ribbon-breakfast-dress-for-success-auckland-tickets-1990360956199?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

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  • Stretch Goal

      31 May 2026

    Costs just keep on climbing in this huge battle to beat triple-negative breast cancer.

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  • Together we are better.

      25 May 2026
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    Something special is happening on Sunday 21 June & I’d love you to join me.

    Many of you have asked to catch up in person, support my advocacy journey, or spend meaningful time together. So I’ve created an event bringing community, purpose & impact into one room.

    I’m hosting a Combined Charity Brunch supporting:

    🎀 Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

    👗 Dress for Success Auckland

    My goals:

    ✨ Raise $10,000 for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

    ✨ Collect 1000+ clothing items & handbags for Dress for Success Auckland

    As many know, I continue spending 20–25 unpaid hours weekly advocating for Keytruda funding for women with triple negative breast cancer. While we are getting closer, I still face a personal treatment shortfall of around $50,000.

    So in true Catherine style, I’m turning adversity into action.

    Designer pieces including Camilla, Trelise Cooper & more will be available to purchase, with proceeds helping bridge my treatment costs. I’m also seeking 10–15 silent auction items to auction for the charities.

    ✨ Event Details ✨

    📍 The Merchant Pub, Albany Westfield

    📅 Sunday 21 June 2026

    ⏰ 9am–11am

    💗 $34.90 breakfast only

    Ways to support:

    Attend & bring friends

    Donate clothing or handbags

    Donate silent auction items in advance of this breakfast

    Purchase designer pieces

    Can't attend - donate here: https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraisers/httpswwwfacebookcomshare1HvDDpbCeN/pinkribbonbreakfast

    Email me catherinec@theengine.biz with subject line Event Tickets. RSVP by 15 June. 💗

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  • Petition is moving to 'proceed'

      25 May 2026
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    Hi All. Just a quick note that I have been so busy with the advocacy of my petition but the wheels are moving forward. After much follow up the Petitions Select Committee wrote last week that they have enough information to proceed to advice to the Minister or the Health Select Committee and I am looking to have a meeting with the Health Select Committee. It has been so tough watching this very long drawn out process when lives matter. Speaking of that I had a lady reach out to me on 17 April. She is 45 years & a solo mum of 4 young children - 2 x twin 10 year old, 1 x 13 year old and a 20 year old. I offered to help share her story that grew her givealittle page from $2300 to $32k. Sadly 2.5 weeks after contact her treatment was stopped & we focused on raising for her kids - to $42k. She passed 5 weeks after reaching out. She was never offered the global standard treatment even to fund for herself. I remain still $50k out of pocket but I had to do something. Those poor children & this is a reflection on our nation - broken families & communities when it doesn't have to be like this. I will keep fighting until it's my last breath but would so welcome your sharing of my page to others so I can bridge the fiscal gap of my shortfall. I am spending 20+ hours a week unpaid to advocate for this injustice & the wider issue of this systemic problem beyond just my cancer & treatment. Screening without treatment is cruel & inhumane. Some MP's support change. Arohanui, Catherine xo

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  • Catherine's Ongoing Challenge

      22 April 2026

    So grateful for all the support and her journey continues unfortunately.

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  • Update on my Advocacy - and Happy Easter

      2 April 2026
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    I wanted to share where things are at, both personally and in the wider fight for access to treatment.

    Yesterday I read the released Valuing Life Medicines Access Summit Report

    https://www.valuinglife.nz/report25

    and this article today on why Pharmac reform stalled

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360958671/david-seymour-proposed-major-change-pharmac-why-it-stalled

    What stands out is that the solutions are already known. There is clear alignment across patients, clinicians and industry that medicines are not just a cost, they are an invest to save strategy.

    I also encourage you to watch this discussion

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUAu5DK6ED4

    and see how it was taken straight into Parliament the next day

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18PqdpaoeH/

    The conversations are happening, which is positive and I have been named as the ferocious advocate. But the reality remains unchanged. Access is still delayed, and people are still having to fund treatment themselves or go without.

    My petition for Keytruda remains in Parliament despite submissions and support. It is about creating a system that funds treatment early and gives others a fair chance.

    If you would like to follow more of what I am doing and where this is heading, you can do so here

    https://www.facebook.com/catherine.cooke.1971/

    Thank you for continuing to support me. I am still in the fight against cancer & the system. I welcome you sharing my page for support.

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  • Thank you

      1 March 2026
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    One year ago today .. an anonymous donor placed $50,000 onto my page.

    I remember staring at the screen in disbelief. Not just because of the amount but because of what it represented. A stranger who owed me nothing choosing to stand beside me in the fight of my life.

    Just over two months later I met this donor. It was humbling beyond words. If you read this, I would love you to reach out again so I can update you properly & thank you once more.

    At the time I was navigating aggressive treatment, uncertainty & the crushing financial reality of unfunded medicine. That gift felt like someone saying you are not alone.

    To date I have personally funded over $130,000+ for treatment. I have kindly had $72,343 donated by generous people who chose to walk this road with me, thank you.

    Beyond the physical battle is the financial toxicity. The invoices do not stop. The pressure is real. That $50,000 did more than pay bills. It strengthened my resolve to keep fighting for others for globally standard medicine treatment. I remain hopeful to beat this disease & the hardship that goes with it.

    Join me online for World Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day 03/03/26 from 8 to 9pm.

    Register here

    https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/world-triple-negative-breast-cancer-day-advocate-catherine-cooke-guests-tickets-1983915789532?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

    One year on my gratitude is deep. I am not done yet. Arohanui

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  • Many still want to help Catherine bridge the gap for her treatment

      2 February 2026
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke

    Catherine still continues to fight for all New Zealand women diganosed and yet to be diagnosed to receive the global standard treatment 'keytruda'. We are stoked Catherine has had support to fund 50% of her treatment and we welcome further donations as many have expressed they wish to support. Catherine hopes to be able to also create memories with her daughter this year with some trips - subject to oncology approval. Do watch the video below and feel free to follow Catherine on facebook for her regular posts.

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  • Almost there

      18 November 2025

    Thanks so much for all the amazing donations so far- a big push still to get to $100k.

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  • Oral Submission - can you please help me with sharing my Givealittle Page & Story

      4 November 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke

    💗 Update from me 💗

    Nearly two weeks ago, I gave my oral submission to Parliament’s petition select committee. It took everything I had to prepare and deliver it. I was truly buoyed by Paulo Garcia’s kind words, thanking me for my effort and courage in putting this petition forward, and expressing that he hopes it bears fruit. Since then, I’ve been told the petition process may take up to a year — but I remain hopeful it won’t. Too many women (and men) are dying or being financially crippled trying to access life-saving, globally standard treatment that’s funded in 40+ countries, but not here. I’ve also presented along with the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to the government the immense savings long term on health, mental health & welfare if they provided the treatment in the early stages.

    Each cycle costs up to $3000 every three weeks, an insurmountable strain and a crossroad I’m now at as to whether I continue (I am short $70k), yet I’m deeply grateful for every single person who has donated or shared my story. You’ve helped give me the best chance to live and hope for a future.

    Please share my givealittle page.

    To anyone who’s ever felt broken by the system but still stood up - your voice matters. Change only happens when we speak, even when it shakes us. I hope this changes happens and no one knows this unimaginable hell.

    Tūmanako (hope) and Tiaki (protect & care)-for our people who deserve a fighting chance. 💞

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  • Womans Day Advocacy - out now in this weeks' NZ edition (Prince William on the cover)

      18 September 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    Some may have an opinion on my outfit in this photo. What I see is a confident, courageous woman standing tall on an uncharted battlefield, three chemo sessions in, fighting aggressive triple negative breast cancer. Captured on New Year’s Day by my dear friend’s daughter, Trinity, this moment was about celebrating life despite what lay ahead. Hours later my hair matted from chemo, and by the next day I was completely shaven. Cancer has a way of shifting perspective — from worrying about looks to embracing the raw, real me. I chose not to wear wigs but to stand as I am: alive.

    This week’s Woman’s Day features my journey in a raw and beautifully written two-page piece by Sharon Stephenson. It shares my fierce advocacy for others like me — unfunded for Keytruda (a funded and standard guideline treatment for TNBC in 40 countries but not NZ).

    This story was made possible through the sisterhood of women who lifted me when I needed it most. From Katie West to Bridgette Jackson and many others, strangers became strength, enabling me to deliver on my word and fundraise again for Dress for Success Auckland.

    This isn’t just my story. It’s a story of women supporting women, courage in the darkest days, and hope that no one should ever walk this road alone.

    💜 Please grab a copy of this week’s Woman’s Day and read the full article.

    🩷 Please support the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Pink Ribbon Walk next month.

    💜 Please share my givealittle page with others. x

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  • Surgery (3 July 2025) update

      17 September 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    On 3 July 2025 I underwent surgery and reconstruction. Sadly I had a medical mishap with the hookwire, so don't want to even remember this day. The hookwire after insertion migrated to my chest wall and I endured pain worst that being in labour. Refer to photo of hookwire. Surgery was successful with tumour gone. I was hopeful for clearance. However on 18 July 2025 biopsies returned with further tumour cells in lymph node, blood vessel and lymphatic. Treatment continues with keytruda, radiation and chemo. I will beat this! I still need to fundraise and right now my shortfall with continued treatment (unfunded) has a gap of $80k. I'd be grateful if you could share my givealittle page to help me. Thank you x

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  • NZ Herald Story

      17 September 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    I am a little behind on my updates but that doesn't mean the mahi (work) is not being done in advocacy by me. On 28 June 2025 my story went from inside the NZ Herald on 27 June 2025 to front page of the weekend herald with the only fit for purpose title 'We're denied a fighting chance'. Read here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/auckland-woman-paying-85k-for-cancer-treatment-petitions-government-for-funding/XC4M2JVIINDWTFO2QCJC6SGB6M/

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  • Submission

      17 September 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    On 1 August 2025 I presented my submission for my petition to parliament. Some of what I wrote is below.

    ________________________________________

    A Clear Path Forward

    This isn’t about creating a new treatment. The science is clear. The experts have recommended it. The public supports it. The patients desperately need it.

    I have dedicated my life to helping others. Now I ask for your help—not just for me, but for every New Zealander living with early-stage TNBC. Let’s turn this from a fight for survival into a fight for equity and progress.

    On behalf of 17,096 New Zealanders, we ask Parliament to:

    1. Substantially increase New Zealand’s medicines budget, and make it entirely separate to Health NZ’s budget, and change the approach to medicines access to ensure kiwis get access to the medicines they need immediately and as treatments advance & health conditions evolve.

    2. Immediately fund Keytruda for early-stage TNBC, in line with Pharmac’s own advisory committee recommendation.

    3. Adopt Keytruda as a standard treatment guideline for early-stage TNBC.

    4. Publicly clarify with immediate effect what current funding for Keytruda for each cancer covers and what is uncovered. For example, the public were led to believe ‘Keytruda was not a funded drug’ - that all stages of TNBC were covered which is not true. By having clear and accurate messaging in your press releases you will reduce confusion and restore public trust.

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  • Petition

      17 September 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
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    I don't know where the time goes but here I am writing a very outdated update. I presented my petition with an overwhelming 17,096 signatures to Nancy Lu, MP on 27 June 2025, less than a week before I went to surgery. As a proud New Zealander I am fighting in the vein we are known and that is for standing up for what’s right, backing the underdog, for valuing fairness, and for fighting together when it matters most. Having early stage triple negative is one of those moments. Funding Keytruda for early-stage triple negative breast cancer is not just a medical decision that is a standard guideline of care & funded in 40 other countries, it’s a reflection of the kind of country we want to be. New Zealand should be a place where access to life-saving treatment should not be determined by your bank balance, but by your need. The positive ripple effects of funding would be felt far beyond the patient. It will ease the emotional and financial burden on families, strengthen our communities, reduce pressure on our stretched healthcare system, and allow more Kiwis to return to work, to whānau, and to life. I am fighting for future generations to look back and see this as the turning point, where we chose courage over complacency, and compassion over cost. To give every Kiwi facing TNBC a fair chance, not just to survive, but to thrive. My petition was presented on 15 July 2025 to parliament:

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  • Extended Goal Date

      12 September 2025

    The journey continues unfortunately with yet more treatment required.

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  • Next Round of Treatment

      27 July 2025

    Yet another 23 weeks of treatment required.

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  • Advocating my petition on TVNZ Breakfast

      24 July 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke

    Why I’m Fighting for This

    My name is Catherine Cooke. I’m 53, a mother, a friend, and a trusted business advisor to Kiwi business owners. On 6 November 2024, a routine mammogram led to a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)—a rare, aggressive cancer. Overnight, I was not only fighting for my life, but also against a funding system that denies early-stage TNBC patients access to Keytruda.

    Keytruda significantly reduces recurrence and improves survival. Yet in New Zealand, it remains unfunded for early-stage TNBC. Patients like me are left to either take on $85,000–$110,000 in debt or go without. For many, this is emotionally and financially devastating.

    Pharmac’s own advisors recommended funding in 2023, and global trials confirmed its life-saving impact in 2024. Still, no decision has been made. Meanwhile, we risk progressing to incurable cancer.

    This is about more than me. It's about:

    ✅ Preventing higher healthcare costs from late-stage cancer

    ✅ Reducing pressure on mental health and welfare systems

    ✅ Keeping patients in the workforce

    ✅ Combating misinformation—early-stage TNBC is not funded

    We call on Parliament to:

    -Fund Keytruda for early-stage TNBC immediately

    -Include it in standard treatment guidelines

    -Clarify that current funding only covers advanced TNBC

    Help us turn this fight for survival into a fight for equity. On behalf of 17,096 New Zealanders—I am pushing this petition presented to parliament by Nancy Lu, MP on my behalf.

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  • My Pink Ribbon Brunch held at Allely Estate

      2 April 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke

    The Pink Ribbon Brunch I held at Allely Estate was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful show of community spirit, generosity, and the shared commitment to fighting breast cancer. Guests came together to enjoy a beautiful morning filled with heartfelt stories, delicious food, and a strong sense of purpose, all in support of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. The event highlighted the impact on many others likes me, that collective efforts can help so many, from raising crucial funds to spreading awareness and offering support to those affected.

    A truly unforgettable moment for me was coming face to face with my $50,000 givealittle donor at the brunch. It was a surreal and deeply moving experience to personally meet the individual whose generosity had such a profound impact on our fundraising efforts. Standing there in shock, expressing my gratitude, I was reminded of the power of giving—how one act of kindness can ripple through a community, offering someone like me hope. I promised to continue making a real difference in the lives of so many through my advocacy. You can continue to donate to Catherine's Pink Ribbon Brunch for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ here: https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraisers/PinkRibbonBrunchwithCatherineCookeatAllelyEstate/pinkribbonbreakfast

    The BLOG for this event is here: https://www.allelyestate.co.nz/pink-ribbon-brunch-at-allely-estate-a-community-united-in-the-fight-against-breast-cancer/

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  • Thank you, thank you, thank you.

      1 March 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke
    Main image

    I am absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity that has been shown to me through my Givealittle page. To every single person who has donated—thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    But I have to take a moment to acknowledge one donor in particular. To the incredibly kind soul who gave $50,000… you have rendered me speechless. I am still in shock at the magnitude of your generosity. You have given me not just financial support but hope—hope that I will continue this fight, not just for myself, but for so many others like me.

    Going public with my journey has never been about me alone. It has been about raising awareness for all of us who are battling triple-negative breast cancer, forced to self-fund the life-saving drug we need to survive. The injustice of being penalised for having early stage cancer rather than advanced, or simply for not having the financial means, is something no one should have to endure. And yet, so many of us do.

    To everyone who has donated—whether it’s $5, $50, or more—you are making a difference. Your kindness fuels not just my fight but the fight for better access to treatment for all.

    And I have one plea. If you are able, please look up others on Givealittle who, like me, are battling triple-negative breast cancer. Extend your generosity to them as well. Give them the same hope you have given me. Because no one should have to put a price tag on life.

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  • Thank you

      28 February 2025
    Posted by: Catherine Cooke

    I've never asked for help from anyone. Your care and humility to me has brought me to tears. I remain relentless in my crusade to have this funded for others - the travesty of this situation is wrong. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Catherine x

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