Family Matters

Hi there, This is a photo of my brother Bob and his daughter, my niece Jacque.. As most of you know, my family originates from Fiji where both Bob and Jaqui currently still live . Two years ago my brother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Jacque, mother of three children became his primary caregiver. Then, devastatingly, only six months later Jacque herself was diagnosed with stage four, metastasised melanoma. At that stage, she was given a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of just a few months. Jacque was in New Zealand visiting her Mum when she received this information. Due to the most unique set of circumstances, Jacque was given treatment hosted by Auckland City Hospital under the care of renowned Oncologist Dr Rosalie Stephens. For the last eighteen months Jacque has had to leave her family in Fiji every couple of months for long periods so as to undergo treatment. This has meant she was absent when both her daughters sat their end of school exams and graduated high school all the while helping to care for their grandfather Bob. It also meant Jacque missed seeing her young son graduate primary school and start high school . For Jacque, missing out on her children’s’ milestones and caring for her dad were the sacrifices she made so as to give herself a fighting chance of surviving her illness. Unfortunately, during this time, Bob has slowly deteriorated until three weeks ago when he was rushed to Lautoka hospital by his granddaughter. Jacque bought forward her latest treatment and flew back to Fiji to be with her dad fearing the worst. Sadly her fears were justified. Bob has now been diagnosed with Chronic Myelmonositic Leukaemia and it’s terminal. Many of us are so grateful for the amazing beauty and love our families gift us daily without having to suffer the trauma this family is living today. The expenses incurred through the seriously ill health of both father and daughter have been crippling on a financial and emotional level. As a family, we are hoping to raise some funds in an effort to help Bob and Jacque through this extraordinarily devastating period. The funds raised will provide 24/7 care for Bob in his final days/weeks whilst Jacque travels between New Zealand to continue her treatment and Fiji where hopefully she can spend this final period of his time with her father. So many of us have been effected by cancer one way or the other and on behalf of our family I would just like to say, if you are able to assist in even the smallest way we would be eternally grateful because Family Matters. Thank you in advance. Maggie