Mike’s Battle Against Systemic Barriers | Christchurch News

When Mike Hrynkewycz thought he just pulled a muscle painting his house, scans revealed deadly tumors in his brain, lungs, and bowel — a diagnosis that turned his life upside down. Struggling to access the life-saving drug trastuzumab deruxtecan in New Zealand — approved for breast cancer but not bowel cancer — his wife Harriet launched a fundraiser and fought tirelessly through the healthcare system, even writing to the Minister of Health. While private insurance got Mike faster surgery as his brain tumor doubled in size, the family now faces crushing financial and emotional burdens. Once a tech professional, Mike can’t work; his kids grapple with their dad’s illness. With HER2-positive results opening a new treatment path, Mike and Harriet aren’t seeking miracles — they’re demanding systemic change so others facing rare, complex cancers don’t have to fight alone. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b600a9146a7fa586