My Updates
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Wednesday 19th Feb Just as I was settling into retirement with my high school sweetheart and husband Craig, we received some shocking news. The doctor told me I had a rare form of pancreatic cancer, which had spread to my liver. I was at first confused. I had very recently survived almost a year-long battle with breast cancer, but this new cancer was unrelated. I’m told chemotherapy and surgery together aren’t enough this time around. My prognosis is dire unless the regrowth of the rare cancer can be prevented. And it seems the only effective medical treatment is a drug, which for reasons I’ll explain, is effectively unaffordable. So that’s why I’m telling you my story – thank you for taking the time to read it. Jan with pump and flowers after first chemo March 2023 The drug I need after chemo and surgery is called Olaparib. Without this medication, my life expectancy is very limited. With it, there could be many years of watching my three sons, daughters-in-law and seven gorgeous grandchildren living life. Living to see my grandchildren find partners, even having great grandchildren. Nanna and Ronin (Left) and Nanna and Juniper with their completed jigsaw puzzle (Right) With it, Craig and I can make plans for our next stage of life together – spending time each other quietly at home, or travelling or camping. And I can stop investing in my now extensive collection of scarves, turbans and hats! Olaparib stops some BRCA (genetic) cancers like mine from growing back but because mine is such a rare cancer they haven’t done enough research yet for the drug to qualify for a government subsidy under Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. That means a four week supply of Olaparib will cost nearly $7000 – way beyond our means. My oncologist is an amazing doctor and she is working really hard to get a free supply of the drug for me. She has asked Astra Zeneca for free compassionate supply. She has asked for free supply in exchange for the research data she could give them. She also applied for me to be part of their drug trials of Olaparib in people with BRCA pancreatic cancer. It was heartbreaking to learn that I wasn’t accepted for the trial because I’ve already survived breast cancer. That’s why we’re doing this. Crowdfunding doesn’t sit well with us, but our own financial resources are limited so here we are. Jan and Craig camping I’ve gone through six months of chemotherapy for a second time in just over a year, completing all twelve cycles of Folfirinox, one of the harshest chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy has been very effective in reducing the size of the lesions and I’m now waiting for surgery - a liver resection and removal of the affected lymph nodes. But access to Olaparib is so far, the missing piece in the future treatment puzzle. I’ve been very blessed to be so well supported by Craig and all of our family, by wonderful friends and our local church family. I’ve received excellent care from so many people including doctors and oncology nurses, and I’ve had so many people praying for me, even people who don’t know me personally! Last Christmas was a such a joy – I was seemingly back to my happy, healthy self after the successful breast cancer treatment – the Christmas cooking traditions proceeded as if nothing had happened, my gingerbread reindeer a particular favourite with the grandkids. Noah and Gingerbread Reindeer 2023 hasn’t gone as we expected – but we’re hoping and praying for many more wonderful times ahead. Thank you again for reading my story and thank you in advance for anything you’re able to give. Jan and Craig at Mt Tamborine ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$7k
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$5k
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Sending all the hugs in the world.
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Deborah Hulse
Glad you keep the hope and prayers, and we'll keep plugging what we can. Hearts and Hugs, D/B
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Sending all our strength. d/b
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Fi & Bill Leeper
❤️
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Seiichiro Ichiyama
We are here for you.
$1,000
Jeff And Rob Coutts
Thinking of you Jan
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Sean Dorney
Blessings
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Kitty Carra
💚
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Lina And Ian Mcgill
Sending love and hugs, Lina and Ian😘😘😘
$1,000
Sophie Ragland
Wishing the Berkman family strength and courage for the journey ahead. Fight with all your might. ❤️
$1,000
Ann Aitken
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Ian Mcgill
Lots of Love Jan & Craig. xx
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Greg Wilesmith
Dear Jan and Craig, All strength to you and I trust you have a wonderful family Christmas. love Greg
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Greg Wilesmith
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With love from Murray and Jen.
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Greg Wilesmith
Go well Jan
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Philippa Courtney
Hope this helps Jan - all my love x
$500
Ginny Barbour
Sending love and strength to you and all the family, Jan 💚
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Lenore Keough
$500
Sandy And Dave Schatzer
Many prayers and hugs to you! We miss you!
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Dave And Sandy Schatzer
$500
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Glad to be helping a lovely lady
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Jim And Anne Johnstone
Lots of love from us! 💜
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Clare Barnes
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Phil Campbell
Lots of love from Melbourne.
$500
Marianne Leitch
Good luck Jan
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Mark And Suzie Willacy
We love you Jan
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Wayne A Reisinger
$300
Dennis And Judy Nichol
Dear Jan, We have only just read your story. We send you much love and pray that through all that lies ahead, you will know the comfort of our sovereign, almighty, gracious, eternal, loving Lord Jesus
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$250
I’m Not Driving 😍
Nana B BIG ❤️ to you. Will give every chance we can…
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Pete & Goretti Lewis
More power to your arm Jan & Craig
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Heidi/anthony Rexa/sines
Love and strength to you and your family
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Iz, Tim, Olive & Ernie Gibson
$250
Richard And Kate Vines
With our very best wishes. Stay strong.
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Kathy Ona
Love you more than that glass of wine!🖤💛❤️
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Lorraine Waters
Here’s to you, courageous and caring Jan.
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Anne Kruger
Our love and support, Anne and Paul and family
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Carolyn Turner
Best wishes Jan.
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Nanette Graham
Praying ! 🙏 much love Lamond and Nanette 😘
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Nanette Graham
Praying all goes well , Jan .🙏 Much love Nan and Lamond 😍
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Allan Shanks
I wish I could give more just now - Love you Jan
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Stay strong dear Jan. Much love our witchy incredible comrade xx
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Holding you up in prayer, special lady.
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Thinking of you! Hopefully the PBS will fund soon!
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Jeanne And Rod Selvage
Love to you both - sending all our positive thoughts and putting in a special word to Midgo :)
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Justin Raabe
$200
Helping Jan Berkman
Thinking of you always Love Trena ❤️
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Rachel Mcgovern
Love and strength, to Jan, and the whole Berkman family xoxo
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Ross Berkman
$200
Jenny Wynter
$200
Jenny Hodgson
Prayers Jan for a successful recovery. Love and hugs to you and family
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Kirsten Macgregor
Hugs from us, you lovely people.
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Much love Jan, The Davidson’s
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Praying for a miracle of healing!
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Peter And Mandy Mccutcheon
Thinking of you all.
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Karyn Krzysica
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Keep up the fight!
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Karli Walas
$200
Emmanuel Bouts
With a little help from friends .... Regine and Manu
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Best of luck Jan. Hereditary cancer is rubbish.
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Jan Maresca
Sending a few dollars but lots of love and hope!
$200
Stacey Nicholson
$200
Angeline Wynter
$200
Daile Kelleher
$200
Maree Johanson
Much love ❤️
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Kerry Stubbings
With love from Kerry 🥰
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Roslyn Goschnick
Love you guys xoxo
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🍾🥂🥂🍾
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Ngaire Green
Lots of love to you both Jan & Craig
$150
Kathy Ona
Always thinking of you my friend! 💕
$100
Beth Gordon
I hope my contribution makes a difference. Given with love.
$100
Trent Kelleher
$100
Kevin Mcquillan
Best wishes....
$100
Brooke Walters
$100
Carmel Barrett
Sending you much love Jan x
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Bruce Gealy
A little bit more
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Sharina Gibney
Thinking of you Jan and sending you much love 🥰
$100
Catherine Thomson
I hope this will help. All strength and love to you.
$100
Natasha Lyndon
My thoughts are ever with you xo
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Judy Raper
Just know you have love and support Jan
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Zara Gealy
Thinking of you Jan x
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Natalie Lindsay
Sending much love and strength 💕
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Andrew Robinson
$100
Belinda Booth
Wishing you the very best, beautiful Jan 💜
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Dee Jenno
Thinking of you Jan and Craig. Sending you support and love to you both. Dee xx
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Margot Valentine
With Love from Melody & Margot ✨🙏🏼✨
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Stacey Nicholson
Hope you’re doing okay dearest Jan.
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Tony Hill
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Anna Davidson
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Stacey Nicholson
Hope you're doing okay dear Jan. Much love.
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Stacey Nicholson
Hope you're doing okay lovely Jan. xxx
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Best of luck Jan and Craig
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Blythe & Ash Moore
Sending love to you both xox
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David Mcsween
$100
Melinda Howells
$100
Kim Harper
You are a rock star 🖤🤘
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Edward Kennedy
Prayers and best wishes for a successful outcome.
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Dea Clark
Jan, We are sending all our love and strength to you and Craig. xx
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Genevieve Hussey
Much love and strength to you. ❤️
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Jody Thomson
Lots of love B & Jody from Dreamtime Aroha
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Emma Griffiths
Jan, there’s absolute strength in asking for help. You are much loved.
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Anne Savage
Sending you love and strength Jan. 💜
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Wendy Strong
Wishing you the best for you road ahead. Stay strong 💞💕
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Brianna Woodward
$100
Lin Esders
Thinking of you. Xx
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Dombkins Family
Love and prayers from the Dombkins family 🙏🏼🙏🏼
$100
Mel Worstencroft
You are loved xo
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Brodie Kelleher
$100
Norman Hermant
$100
Jenny Woodward
Wishing you all the very best and many happy times ahead.
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Carmel Barrett
Sending you much love & strength. X
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Sonia Hogan
Love to you, Craig and the family Jan 💞 Sonia
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Sonia Hogan
Love to you, Craig and the family Jan 💞 Thinking of you, Sonia.
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Margaret Anderson
We totally support you and sending healthy vibes
$50
Levina Logan
$50
Ariane Wilkinson
Sending lots of love to you, Jan and to the whole family. Thank you for inviting us to help.
$50
Robyn Moyer
Praying for you everyday! 💞🙏😘
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Samantha Turnbull
Friend of Gemma - all the best.
$50
Hannah Demarchi
Sending you so much love, strength and cuddles 🥰
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Nick Dolley
$50
Jason Byrnes
$50
Peter Cave
$50
Sean Womersley
Sending love
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Zachary Reimers
$50
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Rosemary Clark
$50
Sharnie Kim
Best wishes Jan and Craig ❤️
$50
Bronwen Kiely
Wishing you all the very best ❤️
$50
Naama Carlin
Wishing you many more years and memories with your loved ones, Jan <3
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Ashleigh Burns
$50
Sally Lindenberg
Sending all my love x
$50
Margaret Cahill
Best wishes
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Donna Thorne
Best wishes
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$50
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$50
Sandra Steble
Wishing you all the very best with your treatment with olaparib
$50
Elizabeth Voos
Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery. Hugs to you and your boyfriend. Lisa
$50
Jennifer Grant
Have you tried contacting the manufacturer to see if they'll subsidise the Olaparib? https://globelapharma.com/product/olaparib/ Wishing you well on your journey with this wretched disease.
$50
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Susie Newman
Sending you love from Paris.
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Susan Newman-lever
Sending love to you both from Paris.
$50
Lacey Ross
Sending much love and positive vibes your way Jan x
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Isabella Pennings
$50
Olivia Martin
$50
Melinda Puncken
Sending lots of love xo
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Vicki Thompson
Best wishes you’ve got this
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Isabelle Oderberg
.
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Debbie Blencowe
Our love, Debbie and Andrew Blencowe
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Emma Pollard
$50
Susan Mears
Best wishes
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Katherine Rice
$50
Doneene King
Love to you gorgeous lady. Thinking of you 💜 and your boyfriend 💗💗
$40
Jenn Cavanough
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Amber Kerrigan
$25
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Sending love to you and your family!
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Kara Johnson
$25
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Hoping for many years ahead with your family.
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$20
Patrick Orr
$20
Barbara Greaves
$20
Rachel Barley
$20
Rose Rushton
Mrs Berkman you are such a beautiful lady and the best Home Ec teacher ever!!!! Sending you love and good wishes ❤️
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Kate Wilkinson
Wishing you all the best for your treatment Jan, and for many more happy times with your loved ones
$20
Meaghan Davies
Because I wish I still had my Mum x
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Emily Lockwood
$20
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$15
Polly Fletcher
$10
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$3
