Vanessa's Miracle Chemo Fund

My name is Vanessa Heimbecker. I am 37 years old and was an ovarian cancer survivor for almost eight years but now the cancer has returned.

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when I was 29 years old, in November 2007. I have done the protocols set up for ovarian cancer treatments and after two reoccurrences there are no more protocols. Most women do not survive. I'm not the typical ovarian cancer patient as I was diagnosed at a young age. Usually 90% of most patients are 55 to 65 years old and older when diagnosed. The survival rate is usually non-existent.

I have endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy and had two major surgeries. The tumor is localized but is spreading into the bladder and bowel. I have recently had surgery and now have a urostomy bag.

Avastin with other chemotherapy is my best chance for survival. Right now patient outcomes are based on financial budgets not the chemotherapies themselves. Other countries are using Avastin for ovarian cancer patients. Studies of Avastin treatment have shown a decrease in cancer recurrence by 62% as well as a decrease in metastases and higher rates of remission. Avastin is $7000 a treatment +tax once every three weeks for a year, to a total of $125,000.

With progression I could still have potential for a second immediate surgery and end up with a colostomy/urostomy bag for the rest of my life. It is absolutely imperative that I be treated with the drug in question in order to shrink the tumor, and then have the remainder surgically removed to prevent reoccurrence.


Now we are facing having to find money for a cancer drug that can save my life but is not covered under the provincial or federal drug plans. I would rather not have to ask, but I have no other options to finance this life-saving drug without seeking funding/donations.

I do not want to die so young yet with so much ahead of me to live for. I want to live. I have a lot to live for and I love my family very, very much. I just want to have a normal life that includes working, being a mother and a wife as well as helping others who are facing cancer. Because of my family I am way too young to give up and I will do whatever it takes to beat ovarian cancer. I want to see my sons grow up and have a family of their own. They have been there for me during this hard fought battle and I want to be there for them.

Please consider my request for financial assistance.
Words cannot express my appreciation for any donation that you may give so that I may live and be there for my boys and husband beyond this battle with cancer.

Thank you so very much.
Vanessa, (Kurtis, Brandon & Skylar)