A Whangarei man with a rare cancer has travelled to India after facing delays in seeking medical help in New Zealand and finding the treatment affordable overseas.
Anthony Edwards, 41, suffers from neuroendocrine, according to a report in NZ Herald, and he faced delays in receiving his diagnosis and treatment. His family found private treatment in Aotearoa was proving too cumbersome and tiring.
The treatment here would also have cost an estimated $150,000. Anthony knew people in the northern Indian state of Chandigarh, where he had taught English, and he decided to explore options in the South Asian giant.
He left New Zealand on December 6, and plans to return to New Zealand briefly this month and then head back to India in February.
Anthony's partner, Zoe Dyer, points to the efficiency of the Indian healthcare system, noting treatment was already underway compared to a wait of up to a year in New Zealand. She also underscores the incorporation of holistic practices in India, aligning with Māori rongoā, which includes Ayurvedic medicine.
Anthony’s family back home here has been raising funds through activities like market stalls and an art auction featuring works donated by Māori artists. A Givealittle page has been established for online donations, providing a platform for well-wishers to express support through messages.
.jpg)