For more than 25 years, Patrick has lived with myeloma. Alongside years of treatment, he has found reassurance in reliable information and connections with people who understand. Now, he has chosen to leave a gift in his Will to help others find that same support.
The first sign that something was wrong came through the blood donation service. Further tests confirmed multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, which was still at an early stage.
Since then, Patrick has been through a bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy and several long-term treatments. At the time of sharing his story, his myeloma was in remission – something he was deeply grateful for.
Living with blood cancer has also introduced Patrick to a community of people with experiences like his own.
Through a local patient support group, he has been able to connect with others who understand what a diagnosis and treatment can bring. Attending a Blood Cancer Patient Forum helped him learn more about myeloma and developments in treatment.
These experiences stayed with Patrick when, after his wife died, he decided to put a Will in place. Blood Cancer NZ had been part of his own journey, and he wanted to help others who would need its support in the years ahead.
He chose to leave a percentage of his estate to Blood Cancer NZ.
For Patrick, the gift is about both care and progress: helping future patients access support, while contributing to research into better treatments and outcomes.
“When you see the number of people in the haematology ward, these are people in the prime of their life who have been struck down by blood cancer. It’s an area that needs more research.”
Patrick’s decision reflects what has mattered throughout his own experience – information, connection and hope for better treatment. Through his gift, he hopes to help make these things available to generations of Kiwis yet to face a blood cancer diagnosis.
