Brave mother of two needs help to pay for unfunded cancer treatment to fight an aggressive form of Neuroendocrine cancer.
Otago
In January this year after ending up in the Emergency Department with excruciating back pain, Melissa was given the shattering news that her back pain was actually a symptom of an aggressive and rare form of incuarable cancer. The cancer Melissa has is called Neuroendocrine Cancer resulting in Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC’s), These are spreading rapidly, affecting her spine and many organs, including her liver. Over the last 5 months Melissa has bravely endured surgery, radiotherapy and two types of chemotherapy. Devastatingly, none of this treatment has been successful in stopping the cancer from spreading so the next step recommended by her oncologist is an unfunded drug (dabrafenib and trametinib). This type of treatment is known to be successful in stopping the mutated BRAF gene (which is what’s causing the aggressiveness of Melissa’s cancer) spreading further. This unfunded cancer treatment comes at a cost of $5,000 a month.
Melissa is an amazing and brave mum of two bright and beautiful young girls (age 9 and 6). She recently married her long-term partner, Scott, and is a dearly, dearly loved daughter, sister and friend. Melissa has been an absolute hero over the last few months dealing with this news and all the pain, surgery, treatment and side effects that have come with it. In true southern style, Melissa doesn’t like to complain and greets everyone with her beaming smile in her ‘no cry zone’. Melissa’s husband Scott has been a great support to her but has had to reduce his hours at work to help out and with Melissa not working finances are tight.
We need to raise money to help them pay for this treatment to buy Melissa as much time as possible with her family as her girls really need their mum. The plan is that this new drug will also enable Melissa to get out and enjoy some fun and adventures with her family and make some magical memories. Nobody is more deserving than Melissa and her amazing wee family.
Many have wanted to know what they can do to support Melissa, Scott and the girls. This is what we can do. We need to help them financially to help cover the cost of this unfunded cancer treatment to give them more time as a family. To give Melissa more time as a mum to her precious girls and be the wonderful friend and loved one she is to so many.
Melissa is one of my closest friends.
The funds raised will be used to fund Melissa’s treatment (dabrafenib and trametinib) at a cost of $5,000 per month. If there ends up being any extra funds they will be put away for the girls future.
*Update 9/7 - The funds raised and any new donations will be passed on to Melissa’s amazing girls for their future needs.*
Update #2 9 July 2021
Hi Everyone,
I wish this update was different.
Following Melissa’s message to say she was about to start her new meds, her condition deteriorated quickly. Unfortunately, the disease caused such extensive damage to her liver that she was no longer able to process any treatment. Melissa was moved onto a palliative care programme and sadly died on the 9th July surrounded by love.
I know that Melissa was blown away by the love and care shown through the donations and comments on this page and her family and I are so grateful to you all.
The funds raised and any new donations will be passed on to Melissa’s amazing girls for their future needs.
Ali.
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