Support Rae’s cancer treatment
Support Rae’s cancer treatment
Wellington
When Rae was first diagnosed with breast cancer, our youngest was just 12, and all she wanted was to see the kids grow up. We have been blessed with excellent medical care and wonder drugs, and our youngest is now 20.
She has gone through immunotherapy drugs and three types of chemotherapy. She’s had surgery twice, radiation treatment and more CT scans and MRIs than I can count. Her body has been put through hell, she’s lost her hair twice and she’s on a dozen different drugs to manage pain, nausea, constipation, etc. but she is still fighting because she wants to be there for our kids as long as possible.
The oncologist now recommends Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (T-DXd or Enhertu) which is not funded in New Zealand for people with HER2-low, like Rae. The cost is astronomical, but it will likely give her another 10-12 months of progression-free survival. As the cancer is actively spreading around her gut, she needs to start treatment as soon as possible.
As you can imagine, we can fund some of the treatment but not all of it. Our community has been wonderful and we could not have gotten this far without their love and support (and meals!). We would be grateful for any sized contribution you can make towards this. Thank you.
Gregg Hesling's involvement (page creator)
Husband
Use of funds
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (T-DXd or Enhertu) and IV administration every three weeks.
Latest update
Update from Gregg and the family around donations/funds to the page for Rae. 25 February 2025
Thank you again to everyone who contributed. I can't tell you how comforting it was to Rae (z"l) to know she could start the Enhertu treatment, and she was so excited to get the first infusion. None of us could have imagined she would be gone a few days later.
We initially raised this money for the Enhertu, which is no longer needed. The funds will now be used first for Rae's initial treatment, then the cost of her funeral, and anything remaining donated to Mary Potter Hospice. The hospice looked after Rae's community needs for five years and took care of her in her final hours. Rae was initially horrified by the term "hospice" but soon recognised how supportive they were and was comforted knowing they were there, day or night. When the hospital asked Rae where she'd like to spend her final days, she did not hesitate: "Hospice."
However I have spoken to Givealittle and if you would like your donation to instead be refunded back to you, they will help you with this process. You'll need to contact them by 4th March to request this.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I knew Rae was loved by the community, but I could not have imagined how much. That has been a real comfort to me and the kids as we've navigated life without our beloved Rae.
-Gregg
****As per Gregg's message above, if donors would like a refund of their donation or have any questions around this, please contact Givealittle at helpdesk@givealittle.co.nz by 5pm 4th March.****
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