'Rare' Cancer Pushes Kiwi-Indian Rolleston Family To Seek Treatment In Mumbai

“I have not lost hope. He has not lost hope. We want to fight,” says Selina Kurade about her husband, 38-year-old Abhishek Kurade, who has been diagnosed with what doctors describe as a “rare” cancer.

Medical reports state that Abhishek has right submandibular gland high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (pT3N3b), a cancer of the salivary gland under the jaw.

The latest discharge report mentions "disease progression in the neck and lung despite treatment" .

With treatment options in New Zealand exhausted, Selina has decided to leave behind 13 years of life in the country and travel to Mumbai, India, on Friday, in search of care for her husband. The decision also means leaving their home in Rolleston, Selwyn District, and their “beloved pet cat named Coco.”

“The estimated cost of the treatment alone could be up to 10 lakhs INR,” she says. The family has launched a GiveALittle fundraising page, hoping to cover at least part of the medical expenses.

Selina has shortlisted two hospitals in Mumbai — Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, and Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre.

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“I have been in touch with an oncologist in Mumbai with the help of my friends and family, who assured immediate action on the case. They’re saying they will act on a few things since some tests that should have been done have not yet been done here, so we do not have reports for that,” she explains.

Abhishek Kurade & Selina Kurade with their nine-year-old daughter/Photo: Supplied

A Difficult Decision

The Kurades’ move to India follows a long and difficult medical journey. Abhishek first noticed a lump near his jawline in March 2025 and promptly visited a General Practitioner (GP). Tests, including a biopsy in April, confirmed "head and neck cancer" in the salivary gland, Selina said.

“The cancer he has is very rare, that is why there is not much study on it as such,” Selina says, citing her oncologist’s advice. Surgery was considered, followed by radiation treatment.

After surgery, Abhishek suffered swelling and complications before beginning radiation therapy, according to Selina.

“Monday to Friday in July, every second day, Abhishek undertook radiation sessions and has had 24 sessions so far. It did not do much for him. It made it worse,” Selina explains.

She fears the focus of radiation may have been too narrow. “I am not blaming anyone, but I think because the whole body was not checked every week, it went to a stage where they said that radiation is not helping,” she shares.

Holding on to Hope

Even in the face of uncertainty, Selina says her husband remains determined. “Abhishek is pleased that he is going to India for treatment because he was shattered when he was told that there is not much to do. But now he has some hope.”

Reflecting on the journey, she adds, “One has to look at what your patient needs, not what you can give.”

Abhishek Kurade & Selina Kurade with family/Photo: Supplied

Community and workplace support

Abhishek Kurade came to New Zealand from Mumbai in 2008 as a student and completed a Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Auckland University.

“We were college friends in India, and we got married in 2011, and that’s when I moved to New Zealand,” Selina recalls.

She says Abhishek’s workplace, Lincoln University, where he works as a food and beverage manager, has been “extremely supportive through these difficult times.”

She adds that family friends in New Zealand and back home in India have also been a constant source of strength, helping the family navigate this challenging period.