Hi, 

My name is Hazel and I am fundraising for my 19 year old niece in Barbados, who was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and recently had to make a long trip to Malaysia, where she underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The cost of the travel, lodgings and treatment was prohibitive to our family, but had to be accepted, since the specialised treatment, which is best suited for her cancer, is unavailable in Barbados. We chose Malaysia after making a detailed assessment of the relative costs in numerous countries, including USA and  U.K, where total treatment costs would have been over US$100,000. We found Malaysia offered the lowest cost for the necessary complex treatment and accommodation.

Together with her mother, Autumn spent several weeks in Malaysia, with daily visits to the hospital, including some weekends.   It was challenging for me, as her auntie,  looking on daily, while she attended hospital.  But Autumn never wavered or complained, and  when asked how are you doing or feeling , would always respond  ‘I good’ . I am  however, quite positive, that anyone who has gone through PET scans, other scans, weekly blood testing, 7-10 weeks of daily radiation and once weekly chemotherapy, would not usually say they are ‘good’ !.  

Autumn’s treatment for her cancer has been successful. Even though we chose the option, which gave the best value for money,  the family now has large debts to repay from her cancer care, travel and accommodation. 

Autumn’s resilience in the face of the adversity she was facing, has been nothing  short of profound. Even more so, as she was just 18 when she received the diagnosis and 19 when she started her cancer treatments.  

She has now returned to Barbados, where she has to continue to monitor her health. Since returning a month ago,  she has had  ENT and ophthalmology follow ups and  she will also need care dental care regularly, in order  to stay on top of her overall health and to ensure her cancer is not returning.

Autumn is a beautiful, happy, bubbly girl , who has been given a real chance at life, to continue her studies, and fulfil her dreams. 

My family are asking for your compassion as you donate and for your prayers for her continued recovery and life ahead.

Warmest regards,  

Her aunt, 

Hazel