Help Alex Fight Cancer

Alex is a loving sister, daughter, and friend. For those of you that know Alex, you know what a happy, outgoing and compassionate person she is. She is always smiling and laughing and is always looking for the best out of everything in life. For those who don't know her, you are her friend too because she is kind and accepting to everyone around her. Her positive attitude is contagious and she genuinely enjoys making others happy. Alex is always there for everyone else and never hesitates to help someone else out.

So now we ask that you please help Alex.

Alex found out she had oral cancer in January 2015, with the official diagnosis in February: Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Oral cancer is most often seen in much older individuals who have a history of significant tobacco and alcohol use. The fact that Alex, a healthy young woman, has this cancer was puzzling to her doctors.

After the diagnosis, the doctors moved quickly, Alex’s treatment plan included removal of approximately 50% of her tongue, removal of 30 + lymph nodes, radiation, and chemotherapy. Alex decided to stay with her family in Seattle for the chemotherapy and radiation. Many of her friends from Boston traveled to Seattle during her treatment - this made a huge difference to her recovery.

Alex returned to Boston in early June. During her follow up appointment in August, her PET scan showed the cancer had returned under her chin. The doctors explained that the cancer is a rare subset of squamous cell carcinoma, and is aggressive.

Alex is unable to have additional radiation treatment, and has resumed chemo at Dana Farber Cancer Center. Unfortunately it is unlikely the chemo will cure this cancer, but it is hoped that it will reduce the tumors and keep the cancer from spreading. Additionally she will be meeting with doctors to determine if there are any Clinical Trials or experimental medicines available to help with the fight.

She has lost a significant amount of weight and a feeding tube has been inserted to her stomach to help her get required nutrition. She is unable to work with her current treatment schedule, and hopes that will change in the future.
Even with this diagnosis, Alex’s positive outlook on life continues on, and she sees this as an opportunity to connect with family, friends and loved ones in a way she hasn’t had time to or been able to before.

The diagnosis has brought out the strength in all the people close to Alex which in turn has helped her fight this disease. Alex hopes that since her diagnosis is so rare, the doctors are able to use her case to help find a cure, or find some way to keep it under control for others who suffer from this horrible disease.

Many people have asked what they may "do" for Alex. Well here it is: you may donate whatever you can to help support her and alleviate some of the stress that no one talks about, the financial stress. Our ambitious goal will help to defray the cost of the medical bills and time that she is unable to work. All donations received go directly toward Alex’s treatment and living costs while going through treatment. If you want to take it one step further and do something more, please forward this page to your friends and family and ask if they will help her too. Alex is now aware of this page, so please feel free to spread the word. Anything that you can contribute is greatly appreciated. Please continue to keep Alex in your thoughts and prayers. We will be keeping you updated as Alex progresses through her treatments as well.

Thank you all for your love and support!