Help Edward save others with BRAF mutation cancer

 

My name is Kate, I am raising money to fund cancer treatment for my younger brother Edward.

 

Background

 

Edward was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 4 weeks ago (August 2021) which spread quickly to his liver, lymph nodes, blood and stomach.

Edward was told on 7th September 2021 that he will have 12-18 months to live if his chemotherapy is successful, 6 months to live if chemotherapy is not successful.

 

Edward is 36 years old.

 

Edward was told that 3% of stage 4 colon cancer patients are 'miracle cases' and outlive these statistics. And can go onto live for many more years, in some cases even cure the disease.

Edward has always been extremely strong, both mentally and physically. As well as being very stubborn. He is determined to fight this cancer and be one of the 3% that lives and goes on to be cancer free.

 

Edward is so grateful to have such an amazing support network to see him through this fight. Our family and his friends are with Edward every step of the way. We all believe that he will fight this cancer and will become a miracle story.

 

To help with this fight, there are additional cancer treatments Edward can try alongside his chemotherapy. Unfortunately these are not funded by the NHS.

One of these treatments is an antibody drug called 'Avastin'. Clinical studies have proven that patients with advanced colon cancer, who responded well to this treatment have a better prognosis and quality of life.

NICE guidelines are currently carrying out further clinical trials on this medication, before they approve it to be funded by the NHS for Edwards type of cancer. 

 

Edward does not have time to wait for the NHS to fund this treatment. We need to act now.

 

This treatment costs around £5000 per month for 2 treatments. Edward requires this treatment, alongside his chemotherapy for at least 6 months, realistically at least a year. 

 

Our hope is that we will be able to raise enough money to pay for this treatment, and/or other additional cancer treatment that can help Edward.

 

UPDATE- 25/09/21:

As our original target of £30,000 was  reached so quickly, we are now aiming to raise £100,000. 

This money will be used to continue the antibody treatments. for Edward. 

Additional to the antibody treatment. Edward is also starting 'off label medication', alongside the chemotherapy and antibody treatment. 

Off label medication works by helping to block the metabolic and signalling pathways within the cancer cell. 

Again, the NHS do not fund this. Even though there is a growing number of evidence based research, showing significant increased life expectancy, even for stage 4 cancer patients.

Extra money raised from this fund will also help to fund the off label medication.

Any money left over, will be used to help other people who are struggling to fund private cancer treatment. Edward would love for something positive to come out of this dark chapter in his life. 

Please watch Edward's video in the updates for more information.

A little about Edward:

 

Edward has a gentle soul and is the kindest person I know. He is sensitive, caring, thoughtful and funny, and one of those people everyone warms to. Edward has always been a very hard worker and given a lot to others. He always takes on life's challenges and overcomes them.

 

Edward says that his life changed immeasurably, when he met Katherine in 2019, and they fell in love.

 

Katherine is also gentle, kind and thoughtful. They describe themselves as soulmates. It is clear to see from anyone who knows them, that this is no doubt true. Edward proposed during lockdown last year and they planned to marry in September 2022.

 

They were both looking forward to a very happy future together. It is this future that Edward is determined to hold on to and gives Edward that extra strength needed for this fight.

 

Edward and I have always shared a close bond; he is the most wonderful brother to me, and we are best friends as well as siblings. He is the best uncle to my son, Eric and to our older brother Oliver’s daughters, Millie and Darcy. Edward and Kathrine plan to have children in the future and will make wonderful parents.

 

Edward’s cancer diagnosis has devastated us all, but we are so proud of his strength on this journey so far. Edward told us “I will go through anything I can, I just want a chance to live. I have so much to live for.”

 

Please help us raise money for this beautiful person. We will be so grateful for anything you can give, no matter how small. We would also be grateful if you can share this post, to help us reach as many people as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read and share this story. And for supporting Edward and Katherine.