Help Caitlin Beat Neuroblastoma

Caitlin was living a normal life of a typical 20 year old. She was excited to start her third year of college at The University of Tampa. She had been employed at the campus fitness center and had also taken up a new job as a server at a nearby restaurant. She had excelled in college and her future was bright. Her vibrant life was completely turned upside down around early September. It was during a trip to Ireland this summer for a family memorial that she started to experience unusual back and neck pain. The pain subsided just enough for her return-back from New York to her college in Tampa where she started her courses while pursing further diagnosis.

After many arduous doctor and hospital visits in Florida to rule out anything serious, she finally received results from an MRI that was concerning enough that the doctor advised her to immediately return home for further testing and possible treatment. At home in New York, we immediately took the first appointment available at Memorial Sloan Kettering. We were admitted for a week and after many long and grueling tests (Bone marrow Biopsies, multiple CT’s/ MRI’s, PET scans & several blood tests), on October 17, 2022 we received the unimaginable diagnosis of Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a rare, aggressive cancer of the nerve cells. The chance of Caitlin having this type of cancer is very rare, 1 in 10 million, as it usually affects younger children.

Caitlin’s doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering started an aggressive chemo treatment the following day after diagnosis. We are advised that it is going to be a long journey for Caitlin and her family. Since Caitlin’s diagnosis, she is now finishing round 2 of chemo. She still needs to go through several treatments, procedures, and surgeries. Which includes:

-Surgery(s) to remove multiple spinal tumors

-Bone marrow biopsies

-Blood transfusions

-Platelet transfusions

-Surgery to insert a double lumen catheter

-4-6 cycles of Chemo (every 21-28 days)

-After 1-2 cycles -> Another spine MRI

-After 3rd cycle -> stem cell collection

-Immunotherapy

-Several rounds of Radiation

-Pharmaceutical drugs to relieve her pain

Caitlin’s family needs to be by Caitlin’s side to fully focus on her treatment and recovery during this difficult time. We are starting this Go fund me to help ease the burden of the significant medical and associated expenses expected to accrue.

Caitlin has tremendous strength and is a fighter to her core and we want to give her all the support she needs emotionally and financially.

We know…we hope that she can beat this. We also know it takes a village and we are grateful for all your prayers and any support you can provide.

Thank you.