- M
Hayet, Her name means “life.” A mother of two daughters, and of many more by heart. Hayet is a strong, generous, and deeply caring woman who has always been there for others.
In January 2026, my life changed.
My mother was diagnosed with two cancers at the same time:
- Breast cancer : early-stage, already treated with surgery, currently completing radiotherapy
- Multiple myeloma*, a serious blood (bone marrow) cancer. Her multiple myeloma now requires urgent treatment.
Why is this critical? In Tunisia, access to advanced and even the bare minimum cancer treatments is limited due to: medication shortages ; delays that can take months ; very high costs**. As a result, essential therapies are often not accessible in time, and price.
The treatment:
According to her hematologists, her medical stuff and international recommendations (IMWG / IMS), the most effective treatment combines: bortezomib, lenalidomide, daratumumab (anti-CD38 immunotherapy)*** → This is standard care in many countries and offers significant chances of disease control.
The challenge is that in Tunisia:
- 1 vial of daratumumab ≈ €5,000 – €6,000
- Full treatment ≈ €250,000 – €280,000
This makes access extremely difficult to daratumumab only. Not the full treatment.
Our decision:
Doctors and professors recommended:
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy
- Stem cell transplant (~25 days hospitalization)
- Daratumumab
Given the urgency, we explored alternatives. In Turkey, the full treatment for now is estimated at: ~$125,000 (~€115,000). This represents only the hospital cost for now. For other costs (travel and accommodation), her family will take charge. We have decided with her medical team to seek treatment there as soon as possible.
This is not a one-time journey. My mother will require long-term care, and we, as her family and close friends, are fully committed to continuing this fight with her. But right now, the priority is to start treatment without delay. Time matters. We are currently in a short and critical window to begin treatment.
How you can help. Your support can directly impact how fast she can access treatment. A donation helps accelerate the start of her therapy, sharing her story helps us reach people who can support
Even small contributions, when combined, can make a real difference.
We are committed to full transparency and will share regular updates on her condition and the use of funds.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for your support, your trust, and for standing with us. Hayet means life. We are doing everything we can to protect hers.
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Additional Information
*What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. These cells are part of the immune system. When they become cancerous, they disrupt normal blood production and can affect bones, immunity, and organs such as the kidneys.
In Tunisia, access to advanced and even the bare minimum cancer treatments is limited**
https://businessnews.com.tn/2026/02/04/penuries-de-medicaments-essentiels-au-traitement-du-cancer-des-temoignages-qui-denoncent-une-crise-sanitaire-et-ethique/1386648/
***What is daratumumab (anti-CD38 therapy)?
Daratumumab is a targeted immunotherapy that helps the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells. It is now a key component of modern treatment strategies, especially when combined with other medications.
These approaches are supported by international recommendations from the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) and the International Myeloma Society (IMS).