Raymond and Angela Sunkel. Photo / Swift & Click Photography
A Hamilton couple face the unenviable task of raising almost $1 million in under two months if Angela Sunkel (nee Smith) is to have a chance at life.
Angela is battling acute myeloid leukaemia and a second stem cell transplant in the United States is her last hope.
Since Angela was told in May last year that she had less than 12 months to live, she has celebrated her 30th birthday, married the love of her life, Hamilton police detective Raymond Sunkel, and now the couple are planning a trip to the US to receive the curative treatment for her aggressive cancer.
"I guess I just want people to know that even though my situation is dire I'm putting up a good fight and beating the odds," she said.
Angela was diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia [CMML] in 2010, a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow and invades the blood.
Angela is one of the 15-30 per cent of CMML patients that go on to develop acute myeloid leukemia [AML].
In a blog the couple both contribute to and which documents their battle and triumph of the brutal disease, Raymond describes what it's like for him watching his wife fight for her life.
"I've faced adversity both professionally and personally. I've learnt to separate experiences into two parts - the facts and the emotions. I deal with the facts laid out in front of me, and put the emotions that go with those facts to one side, simple. Have I mentioned that I'm tough? So why is it, in the last week I've cried in front of strangers? Because my Angie was nearly taken from me, and seeing her in pain hurts," he said.
"I'm lucky though, I'm here, right in the battlefront with her family.
"A lot of other people have to sit at a distance and feel helpless. I count it a privilege to be able to support this amazing woman through this journey."
Four years after diagnosis, one stem cell transplant, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, one brain bleed, and a lengthy remission later, the cancer is back and now the newlyweds must raise $1 million for a second stem cell transplant.
The treatment is available here but Angela's condition is so aggressive that a second stem cell treatment is not on offer in New Zealand.
Dr Elihu Estey at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance has agreed to treat Angela. Dr Estey is an expert in this particular leukaemia and worked for MD Anderson Cancer Centre leaders in cancer and drug research and clinical trials.
"He feels more positive about my chances of a successful transplant and has access to pre-conditioning treatment that is not available in New Zealand. And Seattle has access to drugs not available in New Zealand or Australia.
"A second stem cell transplant is currently the only known cure for my condition. If I do not get over there then I have been given only months to live. I'm terrified about treatment as I've been through it before and I know what to expect. It is gruelling and it carries significant risks but I have nothing to lose. It's fight or die basically and I'm not ready to give up. Sitting around twiddling my thumbs waiting to die is not an option for me," said Angela.
"My current specialist at Waikato Hospital understands this and has supported me in chasing a stem cell transplant. He's made contact with America to see if they are willing to treat me and they have agreed." The couple have been quoted US$801,000 for the treatment - approximately NZ$943,000.
With the added cost of flights, accommodation, collection of donor stem cells and follow-up care which may include additional chemotherapy, the pair say they need to raise a minimum of $1 million.
"We've worked out we only need 250,000 people to donate $5 each, the price of a coffee, to get her over there," said Raymond.
Last week delivered a low blow to the pair after Angela's latest bone marrow biopsy results show the cancer is spreading meaning another round of chemotherapy. But Angela refuses to be beaten.
The couple have set up a trust for treatment donations and continue to share their journey on the blog.
"As ugly as cancer is, there has been so much beauty in the journey and it has given me many precious gifts perspective, compassion, a strong desire for authenticity, the ability to prioritise, self-worth, self-discovery, love and gratitude, a closer connection to people, and a closer connection to god," said Angela.
"I'm a big believer in always looking for the learning involved in every situation so you can take something positive away from it.
"I also believe in doing your best to maintain integrity throughout those experiences, no matter how difficult or unjust they feel."
All donations will help Angela and Raymond get to the US for treatment.
To make a donation go to www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/bonemarrowforlife or to helpangela.com
Direct payments can be made to the Bone Marrow For Life Trust 02-1272-0026-444-00.
To follow the couple's journey go to Bone Marrow For Life on Facebook or visit their blog at www.bonemarrowforlife.com.
You can view Raymond and Angela's wedding video here: http://vimeo.com/102908197