Couple overwhelmed by support

Ross and Sandra Small are fighting cancer after being diagnosed within a few years of each other. Photo / Supplied

In the past few years Ross and Sandra Small have been dealt one devastating blow after another.

But fellow residents in the remote, tight-knit hamlet of Weber in Southern Hawke's Bay, are helping the farming couple to carry on.

They were left reeling in 2012 when Ross, 55, was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which had spread to his liver and lung.

Throughout his treatment, Sandra was by his side and drove him to radiation and chemotherapy treatments in Palmerston North and Auckland. After a subsequent 12 months of good health, cancer was re-discovered in his lung and liver and he is currently preparing for more surgeries.

This year Sandra, 47, was also diagnosed with an aggressive and inoperable metastatic melanoma in her right lung. It was just three weeks before Easter when the family received the news.

Sandra's cancer is fast-moving, and causing fluid to build up in her lung cavity. Having completed 15 rounds of radiation treatment without success, she has now opted for an unfunded immunotherapy called Pembrolizumab.

The drug treatment costs more than $11,500 every three weeks. There are also the oncology treatment fees of almost $2250 every three weeks, as well as travel costs to Auckland from Weber. The lump sum payment from the couple's life insurance has been set aside to cover these costs, and has also allowed Sandra to start her first treatment.

Meanwhile, a Givealittle fundraising page set up this month had yesterday raised $22,000, with an end goal of $195,000, which would cover 17 rounds of treatment for Sandra.

Last Saturday, a quiz night and auction organised by the Weber Community Committee also raised $20,000.

Sandra's daughter, Emma Mann, who is one of three siblings, said the community response had given her mother a massive boost.

"She's overwhelmed, and well, it's just boosting her - she knows she's got everyone behind her. It's incredible - we're amazed at the community support we've received."

While her mother was unable to attend the quiz night, the love and support for the 47-year-old was palpable at the event.

The Smalls are stalwarts of the town - Sandra drove the local school bus for eight years.

"We cannot thank the community and everyone who has made donations enough, from the bottom of all our hearts," Ms Mann said.

Sandra is at Arohanui Hospice in Palmerston North, trying to get her pain to a manageable level before she can head to Auckland for another round of treatment.

She hopes the immunotherapy will enable her to enjoy the arrival of a third grandchild, who is due in January.

To donate to Sandra, visit: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/helpoursandra/