Help Alex (Freitas)Resendes Access Life-Saving Immunotherapy

Our lives have been turned upside down this year with some devastating news. Alex has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This news came as a complete shock and has instantly shifted our entire world. He's been experiencing significant challenges leading up to this.

While we are still processing all the medical details, we know that Alex's cancer is aggressive and because of a multitude of factors, his medical team is recommending a very intensive and comprehensive treatment plan to give him the best possible chance at beating this. This plan includes not only powerful chemotherapy, but also a crucial, advanced treatment called immunotherapy.

This is where we desperately need your help, and frankly, where our healthcare system feels broken. While his chemotherapy is fortunately covered by OHIP, the immunotherapy is not, nor is it covered by our extended health care benefits through our employers. OHIP will only cover this therapy if his cancer relapses after his initial prescribed chemotherapy regimen - which feels incredibly backwards. The oncologist believes that starting immunotherapy now, alongside his initial chemo, offers a better chance at achieving remission from the outset. It's a proactive measure that could prevent relapse and spare him from further rounds of aggressive treatment down the road. Yet, due to current absurd OHIP policies, we are forced to fund this crucial part of his first-line treatment ourselves. This unexpected and substantial cost is not something that we are able to afford. Each session runs about $4800 and he needs 12 sessions. His oncologist believes that this immunotherapy offers a better chance for Alex's ability to fight the cancer and improve his chances of long-term remission.

I am committed to getting Alex every possible treatment option, but the cost of this immunotherapy is overwhelming for our family. He is off work right now because if he gets sick during his chemo cycles, it will delay his next session significantly, and put him behind in treatment. This means that not only am I his main caregiver, I am also the sole income for our family.

I am reaching out to our community, friends, and family for support during this incredibly challenging time in our family's lives. Every donation, no matter how small, will directly help us cover this essential therapy and allow Alex to focus all of his energy on healing and fighting this disease.

Your generosity would mean the world to us and alleviate a tremendous amount of stress. We believe in Alex's strength and determination, and with access to this critical immunotherapy, we are hopeful that he can overcome this battle and return to a healthy, fulfilling life. Please consider donating, sharing our story, or simply sending your positive thoughts.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us.