Dear friends, family, and comrades in solidarity,
We are writing with heavy hearts but determined spirit to ask for your support for our dear friend, Wardarina (Rina). A pillar of strength and compassion in our communities, Rina has dedicated her life to fighting for a better world for others. Now, she is in the fight of her life, and she needs us all to stand with her.
A few months ago (August 2025), Rina’s life turned upside down. What began as severe upper abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and a loss of appetite quickly escalated with the onset of jaundice. After a series of doctor’s consultations and tests, a CT scan revealed a 5cm tumor on the head of her pancreas. This was a shock to us all.
A complex surgery (the Whipple procedure) was planned to remove the tumor in October. We clung to that hope. However, during the operation, they discovered nodules on her liver and peritoneum (the lining of her stomach). The Whipple procedure was canceled because the risks outweigh the benefits. Instead, bypass surgery of bile duct and small intestine were performed to relieve the blockages caused by the tumor. The official diagnosis is Stage 4 Advanced Pancreatic Cancer. The battle ahead is immense, but Rina’s spirit is unwavering.
Many of you know Rina. For years, she has been a formidable force for justice, a woman for others, deeply embedded in civil society movements across Indonesia, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond. She has fought for the marginalized, lifted the voices of the unheard and built bridges of solidarity across borders. She has always shown up for her communities with boundless energy and profound empathy.
It is now our turn to show up for her.
The current treatment plan involves aggressive chemotherapy. But we are also checking for every possible chance to extend not just her life but its quality. We found a glimmer of hope at a cancer hospital in Guangzhou, China, which offers some treatments not available in Thailand that could offer a fighting chance against this aggressive disease.
The cost for this potential lifeline is approximately $98,000 AUD (64,000 USD). This is on top of ongoing care costs and scheduled chemotherapy. It is a staggering amount but we don’t want to put a price on hope.
We have seen Rina move mountains with her determination. Now, let us help move this mountain for her. We are launching this fundraiser to give Rina access to every possible treatment, to buy more precious time, and to honor the incredible life of service she has led. Every single contribution, no matter the amount, is a testament to the community she has helped build and an investment in her fight.
Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser widely with your networks. Let’s surround Rina with the same powerful love and solidarity she has always given the world.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, your support, and for holding Rina in your thoughts. With hope, gratitude and solidarity.
Gomer and Kate (in consultation with Rina's partner Elan)
p.s. The funds will go to Kate's bank account in Australia, as GoFundMe is not available in Thailand or Indonesia. But every cent will go to Rina.