Unfunded cancer treatment needed 26-year-old's survival
Massey resident Tegan Hollier, 26, received a shock diagnosis of stage four bowel cancer, "teetering on curable", on January 15, despite having almost no symptoms. However, she has since been told her only chance at survival is Keytruda, an unfunded immunotherapy drug with a $112,000 price tag, due to also being diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, which doesn't respond well to chemotherapy.
"I'm just really angry, because literally my life is in my own hands and now it depends if I can get enough money. It's pretty heartbreaking really," said Hollier, who returned to work less than a month after having major surgery.
The drug Hollier needs is only funded for advanced melanoma, despite having dramatic results for Lynch Syndrome patients worldwide.
Should Keytruda be funded in NZ?
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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14% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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