By Esther Lauaki
Clare Waites has been told by doctors that only three people in the world have the same aggressive type of cancer that she does.
There is no cure for the Gisborne mum of four who continues to fight stage four neuroendocrine small cell cancer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer centre.
The Macedon Ranges community has rallied around the Waites family by launching the There for Clare website to help with health and childcare expenses.
A sold out fundraising event on October 13 is just one of many initiatives being organised.
Clare’s husband Glenn told
Star Weekly that they’re taking each day as it comes.
“There have been some complications,” Glenn said. “The cancer is so aggressive that it’s causing a whole lot of small fires that we’re having to put out along the way.
“She’s still strong and she’s fighting.”
Clare’s health quickly declined in early January and in August the family received the devastating terminal diagnosis. So far, her treatment regime has included chemotherapy, external and internal radiation and she is now into her second round of an immunotherapy trial to buy her some more time with her family.
“Her next immunotherapy treatment is on October 16,” Glenn said. “It’s a cumulative therapy that trains the immune system to fight the cancer itself.”
Bracelets are being sold through the website in support of the cause and donations can also be made online.
“The Macedon Ranges community has been unbelievable with their support,” Glenn said.
Donate: thereforclare.com.au
