IN THE MEDIA…
Early 2018 I caught up with David in LA. He had just taken part in a clinical trial for CAR T cell therapy in Boston. It was his desperate last-ditch attempt to save himself after being told he only had months to live.
One year later, here we are again – sitting at my kitchen bench catching up, sipping New Zealand wine, and talking about his second chance at life.
The NZ Listener did an article about CAR-T cell therapy, featuring David’s story.
Genetically modified organism / Cancer conqueror / Author David is General Manager at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), an ex-comedian, TV and Radio actor, a recent cancer conqueror and documentor of his battle with cancer in the popular column ‘A Mild Touch of the Cancer’ on NZ’s Stuff.
Cancer survivor David Downs has documented his journey from terminal cancer and back in his new book “A Mild Touch of the Cancer”. He says we’re almost at crisis levels of cancer here in NZ and he’s shocked to see treatment used as a political football.
Comedian, actor, and author David Downs honestly and humourously shared his battle with lymphoma in his popular column ‘A Mild Touch of the Cancer’.
Unfortunately his treatment failed and after 12 rounds of chemotherapy he was told that his cancer was terminal and he would most likely be dead within a year.
David appears on Newstalk ZB to talk about his journey, and how he’s helping bring the same treatment to NZ.
"CAR T-cell therapy saved my life. I know I got the fairytale outcome – but this is possible for others too. Let's raise $1 million to help fund the Malaghan Institute's CAR T-cell therapy programme, and get this breakthrough technology to other Kiwis that need it." www.downwithcancer.co.nz
Back in January 2017, New Zealand author and comedian David Downs resolved to lose weight and spend more time with family and friends. Be careful what you wish for!
In January 2017, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. After a long and pretty public battle, including 12 rounds of chemotherapy, I ultimately was told my cancer was terminal.
On the same day David Downs was told his cancer was terminal, he was given a life-saving opportunity. The catch? It was more than 15,000km away at an estimated cost of $1m.
The AM show recently featured David talking about the book.