Stepping up to make a difference
Olympic marathon runner Pete Pfitzinger is no stranger to pushing his body to its limits. But last year, after being diagnosed with myeloma, he took on a very different kind of challenge – supporting Blood Cancer NZ while still on his own blood cancer journey.
In 2023, Pete visited the GP for his yearly check-up. When a blood test came back abnormal, he was sent for more investigations and told that one possibility was myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
“It was a shock,” he says. “You’re getting all these tests and results – trying to understand what they all mean.”
The diagnosis was confirmed, and Pete began chemotherapy before undergoing a gruelling stem cell transplant. The first two weeks were tough.
“I was so nauseous,” he recalls. “I remember one time they brought me the dinner I’d ordered, and I looked at it and just started to cry. I wanted it, but I just couldn’t eat.”
Thankfully, after the transplant and further chemotherapy, Pete was told he was in remission and began long-term maintenance treatment. But like many people living with blood cancer, he knows his cancer will likely return at some point.
Pete also knows there are treatments available overseas, such as CAR T-cell therapy and daratumumab, which could be critical if he relapses. Unfortunately, many of them are still unavailable or unfunded in New Zealand.
“That’s why Blood Cancer NZ’s advocacy work is so important,” he says.
Blood Cancer NZ is committed to pushing for better access to treatments, so that when people like Pete need them, they’re available – not out of reach.
When Pete learned about Blood Cancer NZ’s Step Up Challenge, it seemed like a natural way to give back.
In the lead-up to the event, alongside stair training, Pete reached out to friends and family, sharing his story and fundraising for Blood Cancer NZ’s work. The response was incredible – together, they raised more than $30,000 to support people affected by blood cancer.
With his family cheering him on from below, Pete pushed through his pre-race nerves and made it up the tower in good time.
He’s already signed up to take on the challenge again this year.
“It was really special,” he says. “If you’re thinking about it, I’d encourage you to get out there and do it! It’s a great way to support people going through this.”
