Fighting Liver Cancer 4 Dad

I want to save my dad but I can't. The only thing that can is hepatic artery radioembolization (Yttrium-90). We found out he has liver cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) in May 2011 and even the most intensive chemotherapy hasn't worked and his disease has progressed. Unfortunately, 30 million Americans have liver disease and it\'s the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. I still can't believe my Dad's life depends on a treatment, which costs $100,000. My goal is to raise at least $5,000 to help him with the medical expenses.

This treatment is offered in very few places and so he needs to travel from Puerto Rico to Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital for the procedure. Radioembolization therapy with Yttrium-90 involves radioactive spheres that are injected directly into the liver as a form of intra-arterial brachytherapy. Dr. Riad Salem, Director of Interventional Oncology for Northwestern Memorial Hospital highly recommends this treatment since response rates range between 35-50%, with tumor stability response rates between 40-45 percent.  Patients respond in 85% of cases. Dr. Salem states their patients do extremely well, even at a time when all other standard of care options have failed.

My dad needs at least $20,000 to cover the deductible. If we are able to raise the money to pay for the treatment, my dad may have a chance to live a long, healthy life.  I am hoping he will be able to walk me down the aisle someday and create more memories together.

My dad taught me to be strong-willed and my fight is for his survival. I am determined to raise money for his deductible and I am hoping you can help me. Any monetary donation can make a difference. It is a lot, but I believe that with perseverance and support from family, friends, and cancer survivors we can bring him hope. 

You can also help by sharing this with friends, writing about it in blogs and posting it on your social sites.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!