This is a special message and request from Sally Conway, Acting Head of Language Studies, on behalf of colleagues and friends of Michele Spijkerbosch, Language Studies Lecturer.
Michele Spijkerbosch is one of our dear colleagues who has worked in Language Studies at Unitec for over 10 years and is a star teacher in our NZCEL Programme (literally- she was voted most generous colleague and awarded an actual gold star). Sadly, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer last week, even though she has never touched a cigarette.
Michele’s best chance is Keytruda, a hugely expensive drug that is currently not funded for lung cancer (at a potential cost to Michele and her whanau of $120,000.) If you feel you could help Michele and her three amazing teenage boys, please contribute via her givealittle fundraising page. This could be just the cost of a morning coffee.
Unitec is really stepping up to support Michele. It’s a time like this when we realise how lucky we are to work with such fantastic and supportive colleagues.
Nick Sheppard and Sally Conway are proactively working with HR to ensure that all the necessary support and assistance is being provided to ease Michele’s and her family’s minds. Bridgepoint staff have been organising rosters, cooking meals and are there for Michele and her kids. Other fundraising ideas are also in the pipeline so keep an eye out for future events.
For those who are wanting to message Michele please contact Rhiannon McNamara or Carolyn Doeschate.
Michele has been delighted with all the messages and support she has received from her colleagues.