Quest for art auction fundraiser

Raewyn Riley is an eager artist who applies her cancer journey emotions to canvas.

The Nelson woman has an aggressive form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and she is seeking a space to auction off artworks to fund her latest round of cancer treatment.

Raewyn’s health challenges began in 2020 when she first noticed a growth in her nostril.

It was eventually diagnosed as malignant, and she underwent six weeks of radiation therapy in Christchurch, as well as four surgeries which removed part of her nose.

Raewyn was deemed cancer free in 2022, but last year it was confirmed that the cancer had returned, and was spreading

She says, because conventional treatment isn’t an option, as radiation can’t be performed on the same cancer area twice, she is being treated at Te Ora Integrative Health Centre in Māpua.

Her treatments include the use of lasers, Vitamin C infusions and oxygen therapy via a hyperbaric chamber, which to date have proved to work.

The first round of treatment costs around $6000, and since Raewyn is only on a disability benefit, she hopes to raise the funds through a Givealittle page and at an auction of her artworks once a venue is found.

Kendra Roddis, who is a support worker at a Nelson-based health support provider, says other maestro cancer, terminally ill or unwell patients who wish to fund their health care, would also be invited to auction their art in the group exhibition.

“Once we’ve got the gallery sorted, we’ll be seeking other individuals who use art as part of processing their health journey, to join the art fundraiser. Local artists could also donate their art to support the causes of those involved,” she says.

“I love spending time with Raewyn because she’s so positive despite everything that has happened, she loves doing her art and helping people in the background. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I’m so excited about this idea.”