Northland community rallies to help cancer patient facing $70k cost

Paihia resident Ruby Smith was diagnosed with stage III mucinous ovarian cancer only weeks after the birth of her third child and now needs immune therapy in Japan. Photo / Denise Piper

The Paihia community is rallying around a young mother-of-three who needs to raise up to $70,000 for overseas treatment of her recurring ovarian cancer.

Ruby Smith, 34, was first diagnosed with stage three mucinous ovarian cancer just weeks after giving birth to her third child. Only 25% of stage three ovarian cancer patients live five years after such a diagnosis.

Although being pregnant delayed her diagnosis and treatment, Smith was eventually able to have two surgeries and chemotherapy to remove the cancer.

Despite having to pay $30,000 out of her own pocket for immunotherapy drug bevacizumab, also known as Avastin, Smith remained upbeat about her diagnosis.

She put her energy into informing and supporting others, running the 2024 Kerikeri Half Marathon in November to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand.

But around the same time, Smith said she began to feel unwell and requested some tests.

A PET scan confirmed her cancer had recurred, but she said it was hopefully identified at an early stage. A minimally invasive surgery performed over the Christmas break confirmed the cancer had spread.

Working with an Australian cancer navigator who helps patients with difficult-to-treat or rare cancers get genuine high-tech medical solutions, Smith was told the best course of action was to undergo cell-based immune therapy in Japan.

“The idea is to assist a patient’s own immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells,” she said.

Japan has been developing immunotherapy cancer treatment for more than four decades but this particular therapy is not available in New Zealand or Australia, Smith said.

The cost of the treatment, plus travel to Japan and living costs there, is between $50,000 and $70,000.

But the Paihia community has rallied around to fundraise to get Smith to Japan, starting with a Rally for Ruby event on Paihia waterfront today.

One member of the support team, Steph Godsiff, said Smith and her family had been an important part of the Paihia community for many years.

As well as the Ovarian Cancer Foundation fundraiser, Smith and husband Taylor have been working on a project to make the Bay of Islands the kindest tourism community in New Zealand, by offering unused tourism resources to children and families facing illness, disability or financial hardship, Godsiff said.

The Free Adventures for Kids and Kiwis in Need is soon to launch, once it gets charity status.

“So, when it became clear that Ruby’s best chance for recovery was to seek treatment in Japan — and that she would need to fundraise for it — her community’s response was immediate. There was no hesitation, only a deep desire to support Ruby and her family in giving her the best possible chance to heal,” Godsiff said.

More than 50 businesses have donated goods for the Rally for Ruby, held at Zane Grey’s Restaurant and Bar from 3pm on Thursday.

The event is open to all with free entry, and features live music, raffles, live auction, plus food and drinks.

Godsiff said the musicians include Smith’s own talented family, who are often seen performing in Paihia, including her parents, who make up The Duo Coco, and her sister, Haylee Wilkes, also known as Haylee Hoani Music.

The audience will also hear Smith’s own song, Dig Deeper, which she wrote to help people find inner strength when going through a tough time.

Godsiff said those unable to attend the fundraiser could still support Smith, with a Givealittle page accepting donations toward her cancer treatment.

On top of this, three TradeMe listings, called Raising Funds for Ruby, will give supporters a chance to buy a Bay of Islands golf experience valued at more than $1000, a three-night Bay of Islands family package valued at more than $2000 or a Ludwig Element drum kit.

Godsiff said people could also download Smith’s Dig Deeper song for free through Spotify.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.