For Maria Wortman-Dabrowska, the pain started as a dull ache in her back, something she chalked up to the wear and tear of a life spent dancing and choreographing. What followed was a 12-year odyssey through multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that has forced her to confront not just the limits of her body, but the limits of her country’s healthcare system. Now, at 56, she is preparing to embark on a final, high-stakes journey to China for a treatment that could mean the difference between remission and the end of her story.
Wortman-Dabrowska’s battle began in 2014, when persistent back pain and fatigue led her to believe she might have overdone it in the studio. It wasn’t until a visit to her elderly parents in Tauranga that the severity of her condition became undeniable. “I could hardly keep up with them,” she recalled. “The pain just kept escalating.” What she feared was a dance injury turned out to be six fractures in her spine and lesions throughout her body—cranium, shoulder, femur—diagnosed as multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow.
The diagnosis sent her life into a dramatic shift. In the year that followed, Wortman-Dabrowska stepped away from her work as a dancer and choreographer to focus on chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and a regimen of medications that eventually put her into full remission by 2015. For nine years, she believed the cancer was behind her. But in 2023, it returned, requiring another round of aggressive treatment and a second stem cell transplant. Even after a brief remission, the cancer came back with a vengeance in August 2025, leaving her with few options in New Zealand.
“I’m on the last drug that is available here, and I’ve been told it won’t hold it very long,” Wortman-Dabrowska said. “My only option is now to go overseas to treat it.” That overseas option is CAR-T cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that genetically modifies a patient’s own T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. In New Zealand, CAR-T is only available through clinical trials, such as the one underway at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, which has treated its 30th patient as of mid-2026 and aims to expand access across the country.
From the Stage to the Clinic: A Life Rewritten
Wortman-Dabrowska’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Though she can no longer dance professionally, her creativity has found new outlets. “My life now is more wrapped up in nature, being outdoors, and being with animals, friends, and family,” she said. “My creativity really comes out in the garden.” Yet, the prospect of undergoing CAR-T therapy in China—where the procedure is more accessible and costs a fraction of what it does in the U.S.—has introduced a new layer of challenge. The total cost, including treatment, travel, and accommodation for three months, is estimated at $200,000.
To make this possible, Wortman-Dabrowska turned to the generosity of others. A close friend set up a GiveALittle fundraising page, where supporters have rallied to help cover the expenses. “That’s the hardest part,” she admitted. “I want to do everything I can to keep living… but I can’t do it on my own.” As of mid-2026, the page has raised nearly $18,000, a testament to the community’s support but still a long way from the goal.
CAR-T in China: A Beacon of Hope
CAR-T cell therapy represents a beacon of hope for Wortman-Dabrowska and others with relapsed or refractory blood cancers. In China, the cost for CAR-T therapy ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 all-in, a significant reduction compared to the $373,000 to $475,000 price tag in the United States. The therapy is approved for use in China for conditions like multiple myeloma, and several hospitals have become destinations for international patients seeking this life-saving treatment.
Wortman-Dabrowska is eager to undergo the procedure, scheduled for mid-June. “It is an extremely promising therapy,” she said. “I’m actually really excited to go and receive it. I just really hope that we start to see some of this in New Zealand.” Her journey underscores the global disparities in access to advanced medical treatments and the critical need for local healthcare systems to keep pace with innovation.
A Community’s Support and the Road Ahead
While Wortman-Dabrowska prepares for her treatment, her story has resonated with others facing similar battles. The GiveALittle page serves as a platform for her supporters to contribute to her cause, but it also highlights the broader issue of healthcare accessibility in New Zealand. Myeloma New Zealand, a patient advocacy organization, continues to push for improved treatments and support for those living with myeloma.
For Wortman-Dabrowska, the road ahead is uncertain, but her determination remains unwavering. She is looking forward to the next chapter, whatever it may bring. “I know I’ve still got more life in me yet,” she said.
As she embarks on her journey to China, Wortman-Dabrowska’s story serves as a reminder of the power of community, the importance of innovation in medicine, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
For updates on Maria Wortman-Dabrowska’s journey and the Malaghan Institute’s CAR-T clinical trial, visit the Miracle for Maria fundraising page and the Malaghan Institute’s official news.
If you or someone you know is facing a similar battle, consider sharing Maria’s story and supporting initiatives that bring advanced treatments closer to home.
Have you or a loved one benefited from innovative treatments abroad? Share your experiences in the comments below.
