Michaelle's Lung Cancer Fundraiser
Donation protected
Michaelle was diagnosed with stage IV Lung Cancer in February 2012. Her oncologist gave two years to live (less than 15% with stage IV live longer than 5 years). Michaelle's cancer is not restricted to her lungs, tumors have also metastasized to her esophagus, clavicle, spine, hips and pelvis. In March, as she was to begin chemotherapy her doctor discovered she has a rare gene (ALK) which made her eligible for a new and exciting medicine (Crizotinib).
For nine months she saw decreased tumors and she was feeling well. In January of 2013, Michaelle's scans showed that her lung tumor was growing. A month later, doctors discovered she had a tumor in her brain. Michaelle and family decided to go to Davis Cancer Center in Sacramento, Ca for a new medical trial treatment available only to lung cancer patients with the ALK gene.
Michaelle went to Davis in early March and discovered that her insurance was causing a delay to treatment and tried to wait patiently for the insurance issues to be resolved. Two weeks later Michaelle suffered swelling in her brain tumor and lost some language ability. So she underwent intracranial surgery to remove the brain tumor and the surgery was successful!
Unfortunately, beginning of the trial treatment needed to be delayed again while Michaelle's body needed to heal from the surgery. Finally, with all insurance approvals and her body strong enough, Michaelle started the trial treatment on May 22,2013. In the first few weeks she has been responding well to the treatment medicines with minimal nausea and a small rash.
Because the medicine in the trial (ASP3026) is not FDA approved yet, the trial will require Michaelle to travel to Davis Cancer Center every two weeks for blood work, medical and physical examinations and to pick up medication for the following two weeks. Did we mention Michaelle and family live in Hawaii?
So could you imagine what it's like trying to travel every two weeks to get medicine? The financial burden can add up quickly. So here's where you can help. Please donate any amount you can afford in order to help save Michaelle. The prayer is for a healing miracle!
Michaelle's motto is: Faith, Strength & Courage
For nine months she saw decreased tumors and she was feeling well. In January of 2013, Michaelle's scans showed that her lung tumor was growing. A month later, doctors discovered she had a tumor in her brain. Michaelle and family decided to go to Davis Cancer Center in Sacramento, Ca for a new medical trial treatment available only to lung cancer patients with the ALK gene.
Michaelle went to Davis in early March and discovered that her insurance was causing a delay to treatment and tried to wait patiently for the insurance issues to be resolved. Two weeks later Michaelle suffered swelling in her brain tumor and lost some language ability. So she underwent intracranial surgery to remove the brain tumor and the surgery was successful!
Unfortunately, beginning of the trial treatment needed to be delayed again while Michaelle's body needed to heal from the surgery. Finally, with all insurance approvals and her body strong enough, Michaelle started the trial treatment on May 22,2013. In the first few weeks she has been responding well to the treatment medicines with minimal nausea and a small rash.
Because the medicine in the trial (ASP3026) is not FDA approved yet, the trial will require Michaelle to travel to Davis Cancer Center every two weeks for blood work, medical and physical examinations and to pick up medication for the following two weeks. Did we mention Michaelle and family live in Hawaii?
So could you imagine what it's like trying to travel every two weeks to get medicine? The financial burden can add up quickly. So here's where you can help. Please donate any amount you can afford in order to help save Michaelle. The prayer is for a healing miracle!
Michaelle's motto is: Faith, Strength & Courage
Organizer
Michaelle Gall
Organizer
Lodi, CA
