A year ago I had an appointment with my doctor. I had finished eight rounds of chemo (or so I thought) for Hodgkins Lymphoma and I was due to start radiotherapy in two days.
The doctor told me there was some bad news - the chemo hadn’t worked, there were new tumours growing in my chest cavity. She said I would need “salvage chemo” and if that went OK then I could have high dose chemo and a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant to save my life. Then she said in an upbeat way “you still have a 50% chance”.
50 percent chance of dying didn’t sound like very good odds to me. My boys were two and four years old at the time. I remember thinking that Xavier, my youngest, might not even remember me.
Anyway, I am delighted to say that I finished 15 months of treatment a few weeks ago and my latest scan showed that I am cancer free – woohoo!
I’m obviously over the moon to not currently be dying. I’m feeling great! However to quote Rocky Balboa “the world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows”. The extreme treatment that I underwent has left me with scar tissue in my lungs, my liver isn’t working properly yet, I have ‘acute ovarian failure’ and I currently have a hairdo reminiscent of David Hasselhoff in Knight Rider.
So I decided that I really want to do something to support the new, exciting and less toxic cancer treatments on the horizon. I also want to make something positive out of my misfortune and to celebrate the end (hopefully) of my treatment.
With that in mind, I am going to do a 25km trek from Paekakariki to my home to raise money for the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research here in Wellington. The Malaghan is doing research to help the immune system better recognise and respond to cancer cells, with an aim to create gentler, more effective cancer treatments. The Malaghan is a registered charity, and they have the noble goal of creating better, lower cost treatments.
Jodi’s march for the Malaghan
On Saturday 12 February, I am going to walk the c.25 kilometres from Paekakariki, to my home in Whitby, via the Escarpment Track and the Inlet.
I am asking my friends and family to join me on the walk, and/or to sponsor and donate to the Malaghan Institute via my fundraising page.
For those keen on joining me, please note the 10km Escarpment Track (also known as the ‘stairway to heaven’) is challenging. It has some really steep terrain and isn’t suitable for small children.
To find out more join my Facebook Event page here - https://facebook.com/events/s/jodis-march-for-the-malaghan/629449278241427/
Why the Malaghan?
One doctor told me that in the future the treatment I’ve been through will be considered barbaric. Of particular interest and relevance to me, the Malaghan Institute are doing clinical trials on ‘CAR T-cell therapy’ on otherwise terminal lymphoma patients. Basically with CAR T-cell therapy, they take some immune cells from a lymphoma patient, genetically modify the cells to tell them to fight the cancer cells, and then inject them back in to the patient. The results from clinical trials around the world are amazing and CAR T-cell therapy has the potential to fundamentally transform cancer treatment.
Celebrating my fundraising achievements to support life-saving research
Champion! You have started fundraising to support life-saving research.
Looking great, well done for updating your profile picture.
Well done for sharing your page and kickstarting your fundraiser.
Congratulations with reaching your first 5 donations!
Congratulations you're halfway to your target.
Awesome you've reached your fundraising goal!
Thank you to my Sponsors
$615
City Center Motors
$515
David Downs
Thank you for this amazing support Jodi
$515
Jonathan V
Its been a long time since we worked together. I have many fond memories of Curzon St and your fastidious work ethic and calm and precise way of working. I was lucky to reconnect with you around about the start of your journey and your updates stop my day in its tracks and see the big picture. I thank you for that and send love and strength.
$515
Uk Duncans
Awesome work buddy and go the Hoff!
$515
Likemind
You are an inspiration!
$500
Joseph Nolan
Knight Riders hair is awesome
$300
Mum And Dad
Good luck with your fundraising. You are so strong and positive. We wish we could do the walk with you. We support you all the way and hope you enjoy it xx
$261
Chelydra Percy
$261
Marty And Nicky Duncan
We will be with you on your journey Jodi xx
$261
Adrian Lysaght
$261
James
$261
Marie And Brian
So proud of the you Jodi. Overcoming the cancer and giving back to help others in the future. Love you you heaps
$261
Cathie Russell
Such an amazing thing to do Jodi 😍
$250
Dwyer Fam
We’re so proud of you and the way you’ve powered through everything with grit and humor and the best attitude. You are a force to be reckoned with and you’re our hero. We love you!
$208.80
Jenni Davidson
Wishing you all the luck and love you deserve Jodi, here’s to many more years cancer free with your gorgeous boys xx
$208.80
Mike & Felicity
$208.80
Aaron Mcnamara
$208.80
Anthony Butler
Lets smash it.
$208.80
Will & Alice
Go Jodi - you are an inspiration!!
$208.80
Andrew Hallihan
$208.80
Janet And Family
Great to do part of the walk with you!
$200
Team Freame
You're an inspiration Jodi!
$200
Ron
$200
Graham & Lisa
Giddy Up! Awesome work Jods
$156.60
Carol, Don, Melissa And Louise
You are such an amazing person Jodi, an inspiration to us all! Your positivity and courage is infectious! You go girl!! Much love Carol, Don, Melissa and Louise Vaughan xx
$156.60
Lauren, Paul, Alex And Lachie X
Wish we could do it with you Jod. Love you xxx
$120
Uncle John
$108.99
Mike Evans
Good on you Jodi
$104.40
Sally & Donald
Awesome news to hear your mum keeps in touch. Hope all goes well with your walk. Well done
$104.40
Mandy C
Love you Jodi. You’re a force of nature and an inspiration. Here’s to a happy, healthy & fun 2022.
$104.40
Amelia Clayton
Love your strength and braveness, I’ll come on this hike with you, and see if I can rally others 🖤
$104.40
Jean Jones
What an amazingly worthwhile cause!! Best of luck Jodi xxx
$104.40
Charlotte Hird
Jodi, You are amazing and doing an amazing thing here. Good luck. C x
$104.40
Claire Falck
Go for it Jodi!!
$104.40
Jean Mcclymont
$104.40
Kaetrin Stephenson
So proud of you Jodi - you have been inspirational as you have borne what life has thrown at you. Here's to your future.
$104.40
Shelley
Kia kaha - I dont know you, but this is such a worthy cause. I have just watched a friend slip away with her untreatable cancer and have had several others in my life beat theirs but treatment is almost unbearable at times. F@$?ncer. Thank you for doing this.
$104.40
Andrew Kitchen
Jodi, wishing you best of luck with the walk and all the strength in the world.
$104.40
Priya Sharma
You are such an inspiration! I wish you many many years of love and laughter with your boys!
$104.40
Stacey & Mitch
Such an inspiration Jodi! You got this!
$104.40
Phil & Lisa
You’re amazing Jodi xx
$104.40
Mark And Lynda
Kia kaha Jodi, it's a great initiative! All the best.
$104.40
Tina Cameron
Good on you Jodi … you got this!! I am 2yrs free from DLBCL and hope I won’t need The Malaghan Institute. My donation is for them to carry on their fantastic science, and to support your great achievement!
$104.40
Sarah And Shark
Great work Jodi for a great cause.
$104.40
Norman Pickle
$104.40
Dunlop Family
Awesome Jodi and everyone support you.
$104.40
Garry Fleming And Family
You are an inspiration!
$104.40
Jodi Butler
$104.40
Nic & Adam
$104.40
Kelly Moloney
Good on ya gal :) #superwoman
$104.40
Steve Miller
$104.40
Steve And Alex
From the Welsh Kiwis (The Wiwi’s)
$104.40
Harriet Staines
I wish I could walk it with you buddy!!! You rock!!!
$104.40
Kimberley And Craig
Smash it Jodi!!
$104.40
Lewis King
$104.40
Caroline Davies
You rockstar Jodi! So proud of you and sending you lots of love cx
$104.40
Ed
Go Jodi! Awesome!
$104.40
Julie Phillips
You are amazing Jodi! Well done also to all that did the walk with you.
$104.40
Nicola Eden
Your strength is incredible!! We all love you!!! Nic, James and the boys x
$104.40
Rachael Williams
You are such an inspiration to so many! Hope you know how much you are loved.
$104.40
Jonny & Lynda Anderson
You are amazing!
$104.40
Will Clavering
Great work Jodi. You’re an inspiration.
$104.40
Billy Nolan
Great work Jodi!
$104.40
Lowther
$104.40
Georgi Dwyer
$104.40
Kirsty Woods
You are amazing Jodi! ♥️
$104.40
Gareth Robertson
Well done Jodi! You're an inspiration!
$104.40
Rich & Ali Mcnabb
Well done you Jodi!
$104.40
Riki Maden
Great work Jodi!
$104.40
Anonymous
$104.40
Su Davies
All the very best for the hike Jodi
$104.40
Simon Blay
Go for it Jodi!
$104.40
Kat Simpson
So happy to hear that you are cancer free and what an awesome thing to do to celebrate. We would love to be there doing it with you, but will have to settle for being there in spirit instead! Lots of love Kat & Mark xx
$104.40
Anonymous
Sending you strength, love and thanks - what an inspiration.
$100
Auntie Hilary And Uncle Maurice
$100
Sadie Verity
We don’t know one another but I read your story and think you’re amazing.
$100
Claire & Graeme Duncan
Very proud of you Jodi and putting this together xx
$100
Lewis Toman
Have fun on the walk, and thanks for helping me out with hodgkins stuff
$100
Anonymous
$100
Joanne
$100
Kelly And Sheldon
$100
Tom Williams
$80
Vickie Kirk
Wish I could be walking this with you Jodi, but like you did on Kili - you will get to the top of that damn mountain (or in this case the end of the km's) as you are so strong! So proud of you and what an honour to see the work the scientists are doing to find a better way around cancer! Lots of love Vx
$73.08
Sarita & Hamish
What a mission walking in the rain - congratulations to all the people who joined in and supported Jodi.
$52.20
David Boothby
In awe, respect and love.
$52.20
Nick Perryman
$52.20
Amanda Clark
$52.20
Karen
$52.20
Sarah Thomas
Hi Jodi, I don't know you but after reading your story I just thought what an amazing, courageous woman. Having a young child myself I felt fear thinking "gosh what if that was me". Anyway I'm so happy to read that you are cancer free, long may it continue.
$52.20
Ange Thompson
$52.20
Susan Philp
$52.20
Ally Small
What an inspiration! ❤️❤️
$52.20
Anonymous
$52.20
Tara Malpass
All the best for the march, you are an inspiration!
$52.20
Kevin Frank And Katy Stokes
Best wishes Jodi, and also fingers crossed that the CAR T-cell approach is a success.
$52.20
Anonymous
$52.20
Anonymous
$52.20
Kirstie Hawton
One word Jodi INSPIRATIONAL.. living my own journey through the dreaded ‘C’ and the way I cope is thinking about others that are in a worse position than me! . Thank you for sharing your heartfelt journey and over the moon you have come out the other side..
$52.20
Jenny Venn
Jodi you are an inspiration. Not only do I admire the way you openly and honestly discussed your cancer and treatment and scary odds of survival - I also admire the brave way you did this. You were also always quick to ask after other people during this terrible time x
$52.20
Ernesto Chieffo
GO Jodi, you got this! all the best
$52.20
Evan Blackman
$52.20
Rhys Morgan
Have a blast on the walk Jodi!
$52.20
Jen H
You always were one of the most determined women I knew, looks like an amazing challenge.
$52.20
Breanna & Maddie
My Amazing Auntie 🤩
$52.20
Anonymous
$52.20
Rachel Evans
You’re an inspiration Jods!! All the best for the big walk xx
$52.20
Team Griffiths
Your a superstar Jods xo
$52.20
Becky Ho
$52.20
Kellie Jordan
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have known a few who have had this horrible disease and to hear of the enhancements in medicine gives hope that others one day will not experience the same pain and suffering. I admire the strength and determination you have and your work to support this cause. I went to school with you back in the day and heard through facebook of your news, best of luck!
$52.20
Aimee Brown
$52.20
Irene George
Good luck with your walk you are a brave lady lots of love Irene & Mike
$52.20
Emma Norris
Good luck for this weekend Jodi, you are an inspiration and you will blast this walk! "Fortune favours the brave"
$52.20
The Procter Family
$52.20
Sandra & Dave Tunley
Go Jodi your an inspiration to all
$52.20
Liz & Jeff Robinson
All the best for your walk on Saturday
$52.20
Amanda And Ben
You are such an inspiration Jodi and we are so so happy to see you looking so healthy again.
$52.20
Rupert Barber
Hey Jodi, sorry we can't join you for the walk. All the best for the walk and the weather! Bec and Rup
$52.20
Robyn & Warrick Procter
$52.20
Joanna Clouden
$52.20
Penelope Reid
$52.20
Joss Tasker
Huge huge love and wishing you all the very very best with your ongoing recovery - so wish I was there for your trek ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ No doubt it’ll be wonderful! Love to you and the whole family this Christmas 🌟🎄🌟 Side note: my dad had lymphoma and he did mistletoe therapy (injecting it!) (along with radiotherapy and operations) which worked well for him.
$52.20
Georgia Greer
Your continued strength and courage is amazing & a great inspiration to us all.
$52.20
Andrew Panter Mahon
Awesome cause, all the best for the hike!
$52.20
Michelle Kirrane
Looking forward to being able to join you on this part of your journey Jodi. I so admire your strength.
$52.20
Matt And Hanna
$52.20
Shab
You are amazing lovely. Go conquer like you always do 💪 xx
$52.20
Jeff Tennant
You're my new hero! I heard you had cancer but had no idea of the extent and reading your facebook post blow me away! If I wasn't in Perth I would 100? joining you on the walk!!! Lots of love to your and your family xox
$52.20
Michelle Ryan
$52.20
Ana Adams (mclennan)
Not sure if you remember me from school Jodi, but just heard about your journey via Facebook and I’m blown away. What a fighter you must be and what a relief to have the clear test. I admire you hugely! Good luck with the hike. Ana
$52.20
Graham Elliott
Great stuff Jodi, a real inspiration.
$52.20
Emma Scott
Good luck with the trek x
$52.20
Caryll Farrer
Well done Jodi. Amazing effort in all that wind and rain.
$52.20
The Palmers
$52.20
Sally Wallace
What a fantastic way to raise money and to be able to do it with family and friends xx
$52.20
Claire Kav
Good luck for 12 Feb! x Claire
$52.20
Jade & Blake
Sorry we are late Jodi, but not too late to tell you how much we admire your strength and determination :-)
$52.20
Simon Blay
Go for it Jodi!
$52.20
Mary H
What a journey. Best of luck with the walk.
$50
Liz
$50
Graeme Hughes
Well done, good news after your battle. Good luck on your walk.
$50
Sara Singh
Lots of love Jodi. So sorry about all the tough stuff you have been through. Here’s to 2022 being your year xxxx
$50
Michelle Stevens
$50
Stephanie Mccabe
You are a strong woman to have fought this and come out still fighting !! Best of luck for the walk
$50
Anonymous
Best wishes from the UK, your story is an inspiration.
$50
Nola Kemp
Good luck with the trek Jodi. What a wonderful cause.
$50
Denise Harrison
What a great walk, I have loved hearing Nicky's recount of the day. Happy to donate to this research.
$50
Helen Turner
Well done team Butler
$50
Karen, Cam And Family Xxxx
You showed such courage and grace on your difficult journey. We were constantly amazed by you.
$50
Karyn Kennedy
$31.32
Beth
Your story is incredible. All the best Jodi x
$26.10
Marcelle
You're amazing Jodi, such an inspiration. Go you! X
$26.10
Gavin Reid
Hey Jodi, So sorry to hear about your battle! Glad you have over come it though, so much more to do with your family. Hope the walk is a success and a bright future going forward.
$26.10
Lynnie Lock
A great cause. All the best and good luck. Also huge congrats on nailing your cancer treatment. It’s brutal but you survived!! As a fellow survivor I know how tough it can be but yours sounds more full-on than most. Well done x
$26.10
Roneeta Campbell-butler
Hi Jodi You don't know me. I'm Amelia Claytons friend from the UK. I met Amelia in London. I'm touched by your story and really pleased you e survive cancer! I hope my donation makes a difference to the lives of others that may find themselves in a similar situation as you. Take care and good luck with the trek sounds amazing!
$26.10
Helen Moran
All the very best - I’m sure you will do well. Xx
$26.10
Karl Henry
$26.10
Anonymous
I was inspired by your post. You are a fighter, fighting a good fight for Malaghan and improved cancer treatments. Wish you great joy in completing the trek.
$26.10
Angela Offord
You are a wonderful brave woman Jodi - I admire you immensely.
$26.10
Anonymous
$26.10
From Linkedin Fellow
Congratulations on beating the cancer. Happy to contribute to a great cause!
$26.10
Dael Climo
$26.10
Phil Haslam
$26.10
Jill Ross
Good on you Jodi!
$26.10
Bec Tunley
Go Jodi! Awesome stuff.
$26.10
Anonymous
$26.10
Maxine Dennis
Woww. Wishing you good luck with the trek. Wonder Woman!! Hoping this is the end of all your bad news! Maxine Dennis x
$26.10
Holly Redfern
$26.10
Anonymous
$26.10
Anonymous
$26.10
Caroline Kane
Amazing stuff Jodi! You’re such a trouper. ❤️
$26.10
Anonymous
$26.10
Anke
Hi Jodi, I don’t know you personally but your story moved me and I just wanted to send you and your family the very best thoughts and wishes for your recovery, and contribute a little towards your mission. You’re awesome. Kia kaha Jodi.
$26.10
Adele Brooks Baker
JB FROM AB. ❤️
$26.10
Mel Connolly
🙂
$26.10
Martyn Hartfield
$26.10
Tessa Mcpherson
$26.10
Alice Paton
I have followed your journey through Aaron and Sarah! You are incredible! All the best x
$26.10
Elizabeth Heeg
Good on you! Sending positive vibes for the hokoi.
$26.10
Haley Turkington
$26.10
Abbe Holmes
$26.10
Anonymous
Looking forward to meeting you on the walk tomorrow 😊
$26.10
Lauree Woodside
Amazing - all the best for the walk Jodi
$26.10
Cécile
You are an amazing lady Jodi, all the best!
$26.10
Babette Higgins
$26.10
Amanda Watson
You are an inspiration to your boys, family & others. A survivor in every way.
$26.10
Yvonne
Go for it Jodi. You are an inspiration to us all!
$26.10
Anonymous
You are an inspiration Jodi!
$26.10
Jo, Lance, Megs & Em Cook
$26.10
Anonymous
$26.10
Rachel Nolan
$26.10
Cindy Lowther
$26.10
Nick Leggett
$26.10
Gabrielle K
$26.10
Andrea Dickey
Congrats on your walk Jodie. Hope this year is a great one for you and your fam x
$26.10
Jean Dredge
You are an inspiration to us all .So glad to hear that you are doing so well.xxxx
$26.10
Melanie
Hey Jodi, you are truly incredible! Hugs and love Melanie Dredge
$26.10
Narina Taunton
$26.10
Dianne Roberts
Way to go Jodi!!
$26.10
Grace Henzell
$25
Adele Brooks Baker
ACING IT GIRL - LOVE YOUR STRENGTH <3
$25
Monique Freshwater
Best wishes!
$25
Lynette Sinding
$25
Anonymous
You are inspiring
$25
Indianna C
Very inspiring Jodi, all the best!
$25
Darci Thompson
You are amazing! hope you and your friends have an fantastic walk. Sending positive thoughts for your continued health from today til the end of forever Thank you again what you’re doing is so important
$25
Andy Scott
Your story is inspirational and here's hoping that others facing your fate are able to suffer less damaging and awful treatments.
$25
Rachel Macdonald (gooley)
Sounds like an extremely challenging time Jodi. So pleased to hear you are coming through the other side, albeit with a questionable hairdo! Wishing you all the best for the next phase of your cancer free life, may it stay that way so you can see your boys grow and thrive. Goodluck for the walk!
$25
Anonymous
$25
Tara Tennant
$25
Anonymous
$25
Vicki
Love you Jodi x
$25
Savannah Williams
All the best for your preparation, every mumma deserves to see her babies grow, sending you strength & will power to smash that walk!!!!!
$25
Sally Periam
$20.88
Erin Sandbrook
$20.88
Anonymous
Read your message on lymphoma fb page. Wishing you well. You are an inspiration ❤
$20.88
Katie Arathimos
Amazing Jodi!
$20.88
Rosie Gallagher
Just a stranger thinking you're amazing.
$20.88
Anonymous
$15.66
Sarita & Hamish
$15
Avril
$10.44
Debbie Arnold
$10.44
Deborah Paparella
Good luck! I wish you all the best!
$10.44
Sarita
$10.44
Anonymous
$10.44
Jes Maertz
$10.44
Bray
$10.44
Emma Fisher
$10
Dianne Hicks
Best of luck Jodi. Dianne H
$5.22
Anonymous
$5
Niraj Joshi
Kudos to you.. Keep going..
