unfunded cancer treatment
Davey often put his life and livelihood on the line to improve the world we live in..he really does deserve a break.
Waikato
Davey was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2016 in the Netherlands..they advised he had six months to live without treatment..twelve months with.
Davey was working as Technical Manager of Greenpeace's ships (on a volunteer and paid basis) which involved extensive travel and responsibilities with symptoms of his cancer overlooked until well-advanced.
After four years of treatment in Australia and here in New Zealand only one option remains that will give him a positive prognosis..Pembrolizumab (Keytruda).
Approved by the FDA in 2019 it remains unfunded in NZ.
We have financed one treatment of Keytruda privately at the hefty price of $10,000 with subsequent treatments recommended every three weeks..and unaffordable to us.
Patricia Kouwenberg's involvement (page creator)
Davey is my partner of 32 years..we met on a Greenpeace ship on which he was working.
Use of funds
To fund further Keytruda treatment.Without exception his oncologists recommend Keytruda as a viable option with his condition favorable for long-term remission.
Latest update
Davey passed away 24 August 2021
On Friday morning 5 a.m. Davey died after a 5 year battle with oesophygal cancer.
We started this journey in 2016 in Amsterdam after many treatments with chemos, radiotherapy, operations and immunotherapy.
We moved to Australia, New Zealand and back to Australia where he has had the best care.
I would like to thank everyone who has donated to davey’s fund for Keytruda.
The last one he had was in June and was suppose to continue , but after a bowel operation in June he slowly become unwell. Feeling very fatigued and dizzy all the time. With two other admissions to hospital.
His health quickly deteriorated two weeks ago and was admittted to the hospice, what is at the end of the street we live. We have received the best and compassionate care.
As his usual eco spirit Davey did not want to be cremated due to the omissions. He had calculated that if he was cremated it was a plane ride from Auckland to Sydney.
This week he will at his request have a eco friendly natural burial at his favorite place Fremantle Perth.
Also he didn’t want flowers but asked to give a kind donation to the child cancer foundation in your country. That was very close to his heart.
Leaving a massive big hole in our lives and missed by many.
After 37 years in Greenpeace many stories and memories can be told.
For Davey the campaign of evacuating the people of Rongelap in 1985 stood out as his most memorable and important.
Followed by the bombing of the Warrior in Auckland harbour.
If you have any stories or memories to share we would love to hear them.
For now goodbye and again thank you.
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
One question has been asked already. Check it out and ask yours here.Any concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
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.