Give Sandra life please

Ross and Sandra Small are a lovely farming couple from the remote and tight knit community in Weber in the southern Hawke's Bay. They have been married for 29 years and have 3 children and 2.5 grandchildren. Ross is 55 and Sandra is 47.

Ross was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2012 which had spread to his liver and lung. Throughout his treatment Sandra was by his side and drove him to radiation, chemo and operations in Palmerston North ( 200 km return ) She also ran the farm when time allowed.

After 12 months of positive health and happy family times, they were dealt a devastating blow: Ross' cancer returned to his lung and liver and he is undergoing more treatment.

If this is not enough, now Sandra has been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in her right lung. This is aggressive and inoperable. She has completed 15 rounds of radiation to no avail. Sandra's cancer is fast moving and causing fluid to build up in her lung cavity. Her only option now to spend more time with her family is unfunded immunotherapy, called Pembrolizumab. This drug costs $11,525.00 every three weeks. The $ 195,000.00 we set as our target will cover a year of drugs only. ( 17 rounds @ 11,525.00)

However, on top of these "basic" drug costs are the oncology treatment fees of $ 2247,20 every three weeks, review consultations, travel to and from Auckland, taxi fees, accommodation etc.The lump sum payment from their life insurance has been set aside to cover these costs and has also enabled Sandra to start her first treatment.

And although family,friends and the community have been amazingly supportive, we please ask you to help,so Sandra can continue her life lengthening treatment.

Without this treatment she won't be able to enjoy her 3rd grandchild due in January 2016

Thank you with all our heart.