Back to page

Supporting Sara

  • Our girl

      20 July 2024

    It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that our beautiful brave Sara has passed away this morning with Will by her side.

    With her positivity and fierce determination she fought hard to stay.

    Through out this journey she continued to see the positive side in life and was a true inspiration to us all.

    We will all carry on that love of life she showed and wrap our love and support around Will and Isabella as they negotiate through life without dear Sara.

    Thank you all for being an important part of her journey. For giving her the hope and help to fight and live longer than was ever predicted.

    To love and be loved is the greatest joy and Sara was loved from many corners of the world.

    Rest now my dear friend you deserve it 🧡

      3 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 20/07/2024 by Lynnette

      So sorry to hear. Fly high Sara you were a true fighter. Life isn't fair. Now is your time to begin your next journey.. dad will be waiting for you ❤

    • 21/07/2024 by Jean

      So, so sorry to hear this. Will & Isabella are in our thoughts. Sending love from your friends in Wexford, Ireland. Jean & Declan. Xx

    • 24/07/2024 by Clate

      Absolutely heartbroken to read this news💔. Sending sincere condolences to Will, Isabella and family. RIP my beautiful friend Sara, love you xx

  • Chemo continues!

      6 May 2023
    Main image

    Hello Everyone

    I thought it was long over due for an update on our lovely Sara.

    Chemo continues 3 down and 5 to go!!

    Unfortunately Sara's hair was a casualty of this round but she had a fabulous day of trying on wigs. I think we can all agree that the one she chose is perfect and looks stunning!

    To top it off Sara got her results back from the latest CT and drum roll....there has been NO further progression of the cancer.

    So all Sara's hard work is stopping it in its tracks once more!

    It's tough going but she is finding time to enjoy life's precious moments in between with Isabella, Will, friends and family.

    Please keep sending all your love her way.

    Thank you and take care 🙂

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • 2023 update

      11 March 2023
    Main image

    Hello lovely people,

    I apologize for the very over due update on our beautiful friend!

    Alot has been happening over these past months.

    Sara was going very well then had some symptoms before Christmas with swelling in her legs.

    The next CT results didn't show too much but the latest one has showed some of the metastatic cancer has creeped back, blocking the lymph nodes in her legs, hence the swelling.

    This has been a huge blow to Sara and Will, as you can all imagine. She has been fighting this and is understandably exhausted.

    The Oncologist would like her to start another round of chemo alongside immunotherapy.

    This is a daunting task as the last Cycle of chemo was brutal and has left some battle scars.

    Please send all your best wishes and strength 💪 to Sara as she pulls on her combat boots and faces another fight. Which I know she is not looking forward to.

    Her chemo starts next Thursday 16th March.

    6 months of treatment - 8 sessions every 3 weeks.

    I was so lucky to spend some time over Christmas with Sara, Will and Isabella camping at Sara's childhood beach Matai bay.

    It was a special time.

    I share a pic of Sara and Isabella the first morning on camp.

    We are all with you dear Sara.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • CT results

      21 August 2022
    Main image

    Hi everyone

    A quick update to let you know Sara's CT results came back and again the metastatic mass is smaller and her stomach is showing now signs of cancer!!:Whoop Whoop!

    Sara and Isabella are stuck in the town she recieves treatment due to flooding and road closures!

    Just gives you more girlie shopping time I say Sara!!

    Keep up the good work! 👍

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 22/08/2022 by Lynnette

      Fantastic news Sara xx

  • Celebration, covid, CT scan

      5 August 2022
    Main image

    Hello Everyone!

    It's been a long time since I posted an update sorry about that!!

    Since my last post Sara has celebrated her 50th birthday in style and had the best night surrounded by friends and family.

    She continues to do well on immunotherapy but unfortunately covid caught her a few weeks ago leaving her quite tired.

    Sara faced this bump in road like a warrior as usual!

    It's coming up one year since Sara and Willy recieved the devastating news of her cancer diagnosis and I think we can all agree she has done us all proud with her amazing attitude, her strength and courage while facing this.

    Please don't stop all your thoughts, prayers and positive vibes to keep her spirits up and so she knows we are still all behind her!

    Especially as she waits to here results of the CT scan last week, always a nervous time.

    Thank you again for your ongoing support!

    I leave you with a fab photo of Will and Sara at her birthday party night!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Sara at her happy place in Russell NZ

      20 May 2022
    Main image

    Our Sara enjoying her mini break.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • May memories.

      20 May 2022
    Main image

    Hello team Sara!

    It's May already! The year zooms along.

    And our Sara continues to do well.

    Her last CT showed further shrinking of what's left of her cancer which is such great news!

    She continues to tolerate immunotherapy and is feeling stronger each day!

    It was mother's day in NZ on the 8th May and she spent it with Isabella and Will.

    She recently spent the weekend in Russel a beach side historic town with friends and family. Making wonderful memories with them all.

    It gets even better as Sara will celebrate her 50th Birthday this coming Monday 23rd May.

    It's so wonderful to know that with all your generosity she has been able to reach this milestone birthday and can enjoy it this year.

    Wishing you a great birthday Sara and an even better year ahead!

    Keep making us proud and keep the fight up!

    I leave you with a photo of Isabellas mothers day card. Words couldn't be more true.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Catching up and Completion of chemo

      29 March 2022
    Main image

    Sorry all for a very long over due update on our Sara.

    I have just returned from a visit to NZ and was so fortunate to be able to give a big hugs to Sara in person....it was long over due! Stupid Covid!

    I spent a week with Sara, Will and Isbella. We had lots of time hanging out, catching up and laughing with a few tears in there as well! It was wonderful to see Sara cooking, laughing and full of energy despite still going through treatment!

    While I was there Sara completed her chemo treatment. The last one was the toughest by far.

    Sara's poor skin has taken a hit and it was very painful, red and inflamed.

    It's starting to settle down now but she still has to avoid the sun (not an easy exercise considering she lives in the far north NZ and at the beach).

    She continues with immunotherapy now every six weeks to keep the nasty C away!

    She will have a CT scan every 3 months to keep an eye on things and with a few lingering masses around we all need to send positive vibes the immunotherapy will mop those up!

    Some of you might not be aware but Sara was delayed being diagnosed.

    It's been a painful journey knowing if the doctors had listened more to her and her symptoms the situation could of been very different.

    With support of her oncologist a claim was put forward and I am happy to report that just last week her claim was accepted and the ACC (accident compensation corporation) will now going forward start paying for the clinical visits! Such a relief for both Sara and Will not to have to worry able finding the money to cover administrative costs for immunotherapy!!

    That being said all of your help and generosity made it possible for Sara to recieve her immunotherapy as fast as possible and it came not a minute to soon!

    So thank all once again for all your help and allowing Sara to be around for long over due hugs and memory making.

    Photo of Isabella and I on ninety mile beach Ahipara NZ

    Much love to you all

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • CT results and reunions!

      8 February 2022
    Main image

    My heart is full!

    Finally reunited with our gorgeous friend Sara!

    Still smiling hours later at finally being able to give her a huge hug in person!

    It was also fab to see some of her closest support system Carol, Robin and Delma! Just a wonderful evening had!

    But even better news! Sara's last CT scan shows even less Mr nasty than last time. So she is beating this beast day by day!! You are a true inspiration my friend!

    She has her 12th and final dose of chemo next week! Yay!

    But the immunotherapy will continue tomorrow will mean we would have reached our capped amount. Which means no more payments for the drug from here on in BUT not the end of costs recieving this because every dose going forward has a cost attached so we will keep up the fund raising!

    I am looking forward to more hugs and special moments with my dear friend over the next weeks!! 😊

    I leave you with a pic of meeting up finally after 3 long years!

    Take care everyone and thanks for the continued support xxx

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Happy New Year!

      5 January 2022
    Main image

    Happy New Year to you all! I hope you all celebrated well!

    Sara and Willy certainly did!

    They had a wonderful evening seeing in the New Year with friends at their place. In Wills balcony 'Bar'

    I am happy to report Sara outlasted everyone and was up for a chat at 1am!

    Go Sara!

    Sara's annoying skin rash is still lurking around but much improved on her face which is one positive.

    Sara restarted chemo today and it went really well! Sara reports that everything ran like clockwork from blood results being all good to go and having a great nurse who did a perfect insertion into Pete the port! Bonus! May this continue!

    The photo attached to this update is of Sara and her Mum having a wee tipple as they remember a great man, Pat (Sara's lovely dad) who passed away 7 years this week.

    I am sure he is looking down on you Sara and sending all the strength he can for you to get through this difficult journey!

    Wishing you all a wonderful 2022!

    May your hearts be lighter, your days full of laughter and your lives full of happiness.

    Most of all I wish Sara total remission!

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 13/01/2022 by Ruth

      Thank you so much Jaquee for the constant updates . So happy to read this very positive one. Happy new year Sara Willy Isabelle and Saras Mum . Ye completely surpassed my New Year’s Eve where I hit the bed at 11pm!! Keep up the great fight Sara ! You are amazing x

  • Christmas Cheer!

      28 December 2021
    Main image

    Merry Christmas Everyone!

    I hope wherever you were in the world it was a wonderful day filled with love and laughter.

    The Bowdens had a wonderful Christmas day celebrating with family and friends. Sara made an impressive chocolate log. A NZ favorite dessert 😍

    On the treatment front, Sara has had her chemo delayed once more due to a low neutrophil count and then no room at the chemo suite!! But immunotherapy is continuing and chemo will restart in the new year.

    She is still struggling with a skin rash and needs to keep out of the sun! Not easy while in a NZ summer living by the beach! But she is trying her best to bring out her inner vampire!

    Thank you all again for the tremendous generosity you have shown Sara and Will this year. It will never be forgotten.

    As we head into another year I ask you all to keep up with your prayers and positive vibes for the Bowden family.

    I for one am especially excited for 2022 as in late January I will be finally be heading back to NZ and will be able to give Sara a huge hug in person!

    Happy New Year to you all and I hope 2022 brings you all alot of joy, happiness and miracles!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Side Effects

      20 November 2021
    Main image

    Hello to you all!

    I hope you are having a good week!

    Willy certainly is and I am sure the Irish flag is still flying high at their place!

    Congrats Ireland on your win over the All Blacks!

    Sara on the other hand has had a mixed week.

    Immunotherapy still continues and is going well except for causing a red rash on Saras forehead and chest.

    Which she is none to happy about! With you there my friend!

    But summer is coming to NZ so it's the perfect excuse to wear a variety of hats or embrace your boho chic style and don a head scarf! Either way you will rock it!

    Another annoying side effect has delayed Sara's chemo this week as well. Sara's immune fighting white blood cells were low again.

    Her oncologist is looking at changing the dose to reduce this from happening. Hopefully next week chemo can go ahead!

    Despite all these hiccups Sara continues to be busy and enjoying family life and keeping up with Isabellas busy social calender!

    Isabella has a gymnastics competition this Saturday and has been busy celebrating her birthday, Halloween and guy fawkes night over the last weeks!

    Talking of celebrations. Happy 50th Chris little! Thanks for your on going support and the support from your friends and family who kindly donated your birthday funds to Sara's page. You are all super stars!

    I leave you with a picture of Isabella all ready for trick or treat on Halloween!

    And wish Sara a better week coming up!

    Stay safe everyone x

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • CT results

      2 November 2021

    Thank you everyone as I know you have all been praying, sending positive vibes and crossing all digits for good CT results that Sara had last week.

    I am so happy to report there has been tears of joy this Tuesday as the news could not be better!

    Her cancer is not progressing in fact shrinking and better still non existent in places it once was!

    The treatment is working! What a result!

    So thank you ! thank you! thank you to all of you, as without your help and generosity this treatment would not be possible.

    Well done team Sara and of course well done Sara!

    Your determination and love of life are an inspiration and a shining light in all our lives! Keep going you have got this.

    Have a great week everyone 😀

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Birthday celebrations, chemo and CT scans

      21 October 2021
    Main image

    Hello Everyone,

    Firstly Thank you Kaitaia Electrical for the fund raiser event and the donation recently much appreciated!!

    Sara had chemo on Wednesday after it was delayed last week due to her white blood cells being too low. Thankfully the numbers popped back up for her to get her dose this week.

    All went well and she is now getting prepared for a party on Saturday beacuse gorgeous Isabella turned 9 on Monday!

    Happy Birthday Isabella!

    Wish Sara and Co luck as they host 12 giggling girls on Saturday!!

    That's huge enough without having just had chemo treatment! So well done Sara!

    Sara however is feeling really good and has much more energy these last weeks which is a great sign things are moving in the right direction.

    She has another dose of immunotherapy and a repeat CT scan next week.

    Let us all send positive vibes her way for her CT scan next Wednesday and hope for a positive result! 🙏

    She deserves some good news and to host many more birthdays for Isabella.

    Take care everyone ❤

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • 2nd immunotherapy done and dusted!

      6 October 2021
    Main image

    We did it folks!! We reached 70k!!

    You are all so amazing!

    Go team Sara!

    Sara had her 2nd cycle of immunotherapy this week and it went very smoothly from port insertion to infusion!

    Sara and Will had a very positive appointment with the oncologist this week as well. She is super happy with Sara's progress.

    And is positive the treatment is working!

    They will all know more once a repeat CT scan is done. The CT will probably happen after the 4th cycle of immunotherapy!

    I have included a great photo of our beautiful friend with her lucky red shoes on! They are certainly doing a good job as is Sara

    A true warrior!

    Keep up the hard work Sara! You've got this and we have got you xxx

    We all love you so much ❤

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Portacath Pete working perfectly!

      29 September 2021
    Main image

    Pete the port as Sara likes to call her new device, is now in full working mode and all went well using Pete at her chemo session this week.

    Sara has her 2nd immunotherapy coming up next Wednesday.

    We are almost at the capped amount needed for immunotherapy but of course every appointment and every phone call costs when dealing with the private clinic providing the immunotherapy. So I urge you all to share the link if you haven't already  and let's try and reach the 70k capped amount or even more if possible!!

    Thank you to all of you for your ongoing support and fund raising efforts beyond this page its just mind-blowing!!

    Sara is feeling stronger than ever after just 3 chemo doses and 1 immunotherapy treatment!

    She even thought doing the laundry was a great idea!  I'm pretty sure I heard somewhere that you get a free pass on laundry duties during chemo Sara!

    I say it every time but also mean it from the bottom of my heart...thank you all so much!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Immunotherapy dose 1

      15 September 2021
    Main image

    I am so happy to report that Sara recieved her first dose of immunotherapy today!

    This moment would not of been possible without all of you and your generosity.

    Thank you seems inadequate but all the same Thank you!!!

    I will update you further on how it all went once I speak to Sara in the next few days.

    For now she and Will just arrived back home and iare both looking forward to sleeping in their own bed!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Port perfection.

      11 September 2021
    Main image

    Hello!

    Despite some bruising and tenderness Sara is healing well from the port insertion.

    Once healed it will be up and running!

    Thanks to the wonderful Delma Fay for her port site redressing skills! Always handy to know these nurses!

    I know there are so many of you supporting Sara, Will and Isabella day to day and also from afar.

    It means everything to them.

    Let's all send positive vibes for the start of immunotherapy next week xxx

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Immunotherapy is happening!!!

      2 September 2021
    Main image

    Hello Everyone!

    If you aren't on fb I wanted share the great news that Sara will be starting immunotherapy on 15th September.

    We had an amazing talk with the Roche expert on GC. She was just fab and gave us all really great advice. We all came away very informed and positive. It really helped Sara and Will in the decision making over immunotherapy.

    Thanks to all of you generous people Sara and Willy don't have to stress so much about finding the funds to get the immunotherapy drug keytruda.

    Please see below Sara's own words on how much your generosity has meant to her and Will xx

    "This givealiitle page has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life to date. Thank you to everyone who has helped us, it is because of you all that we can proceed with immunotherapy on the 15th September.

    I will be forever grateful x"

    Could not think of a more deserving person.

    On another positive note Sara was finally able to get a port inserted...no more blocked kinked uncomfortable PICC line!

    Thank you all so much again ❤

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Chemo in Covid lockdown

      30 August 2021
    Main image

    Hello Everyone!

    A little update on our dear Sara.

    She recieved her 2nd cycle of chemo despite a few set backs with PICC line moving and needing to be replaced and NZ going into level 4 lockdiwn due to a covid outbreak.

    She is feeling great after this 2nd Cycle of chemo and is now making decisions to include immunotherapy.

    She has been given two options. Of course the one most suited to her will be $10,000 per treatment so all the fund raising is going to be such a help.

    Thanks to a wonderful friend Salome we will be talking with the Roche global expert in gastric cancer today! Hopefully she will give Sara the advice she needs to make the right decisions over immunotherapy and give her any up and coming treatments Sara might be able to take advantage of.

    For the mean time Sara is living each moment with joy and positivity. Making as many special moments with Will and Isabella.

    Thanks again for contributing to her care they are both so overwhelmed and grateful for all the donations and messages they have recieved.

    Keep sharing this page and keep the funds rolling in so Sara can get as much immunotherapy as possible!!

    Take Care xx

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Chemo has started.

      12 August 2021

    Dear All,

    Sara started chemo yesterday and she did super well!

    She is loving all the wonderful messages you are sending.

    It really makes her day.

    So much love and support for the wonderful Bowden family!

    You all have been so generous and I can't thank you enough .

    Xxx

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Thanks all

      5 August 2021

    Thank you all for your generous donations and messages of support.

    I shared the link with Sara and Will. They are feeling very humbled by all the support.

    Sara starts chemo next week and will look into immunotherapy options. We will keep fundraising so she can get access to this. Xxx thanks again it means sooo much xxx

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment