Young Mother Fights for Life as Cancer Treatment Costs Soar

A young mother in New Zealand is urgently seeking financial assistance for cancer treatment that could determine her survival. Sariah Nesbit, 25, was diagnosed in March 2023 with a rare and aggressive form of gastric cancer, classified as advanced and inoperable. Despite a grim prognosis, her recent treatment has shown promising results, but the high cost of ongoing care threatens her “second chance” at life.

In March, doctors gave Nesbit approximately one year to live without intervention. Her treatment plan involved a combination of chemotherapy and an unfunded immunotherapy drug called Nivolumab. “My only hope was this combination,” Nesbit shared in an update on the fundraising platform Givealittle. The treatment exceeded expectations, and scans taken in September revealed significant progress.

“Cancer had not spread, and my medical team changed my status from inoperable to operable,” Nesbit explained. The once-giant tumor, roughly the size of her entire stomach, had shrunk almost completely. Following this positive development, she underwent major surgery in October 2023 to remove the primary tumor. Out of 24 lymph nodes excised, only one contained cancer.

Despite this success, Nesbit now faces a critical challenge: the potential return of her cancer if she cannot fund the remainder of her treatment. Doctors warned her that due to the aggressive nature of her illness, recurrence is likely within one to two years without further treatment. “To ensure the cancer does not return, my oncologists have recommended I continue the Nivolumab immunotherapy for another six months,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of her situation.

This additional treatment comes at a steep cost. Nesbit needs to raise $45,000 to continue her immunotherapy, as it remains unfunded by the New Zealand healthcare system. She has been advised that any delay in her treatment could result in the cancer starting to grow again. “I am asking for your help one last time to cross this finish line,” Nesbit pleaded, highlighting the impact on her children, Mahalia-June and Amāia. “You have already bought me time; now you are helping me continue to have a future with my girls.”

Nesbit’s mother, Marie Nesbit, expressed deep concern for her daughter’s situation on social media, stating, “No mum should have to fight this hard just to stay alive for her babies.” She reiterated that Sariah is not asking for miracles, only for the time to be a mother to her children.

The emotional toll on the family is evident. Nesbit’s children have witnessed their mother’s struggles and often ask, “Mum, are you going to the doctors?” She plans to return to university next year to resume her law studies, which she had to put on hold due to her health issues.

As Nesbit continues her fight against cancer, she remains hopeful. The financial support from the community is critical in helping her access the treatment she needs to secure her future and the well-being of her family.