Dear family and friends,

 

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Sarah Kopichanski, and I am raising funds for a dear friend and former boyfriend, Khalil Elidrissi Tourane. In the spring/summer of 2021, Khalil was busy finishing his undergraduate degree while simultaneously preparing to travel to Canada to study as an international student. We were both thrilled and excited to start our new life together. Just as things were going well, Khalil began to feel ill, with lots of pain in his legs and lower back. He would also become easily exhausted but thought nothing of it. He knew he would have to undergo a medical examination prior to coming to Canada, so he waited a few more months for his examination. At the end of August 2021, Khalil’s life took a turn for the worse after receiving the results of the examination. Our future plans went on hold with no end in the foreseeable future.

 

At 23 years old, Khalil was diagnosed with advanced, stage 4 kidney cancer after finding an 18 cm tumor on his right kidney and a 3 cm tumor in the left hemisphere of his brain. The tumor in the brain affected his vision in his left eye which resulted in him no longer being able to drive. Additionally, the tumor in his kidney has caused significant mobility issues with pain in his lower back and legs.

 

Doctors have prescribed Pazopanib (Votrient), which is taken as a pill, as a targeted treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aka advanced kidney cancer). The purpose of this medication is to stop or delay the growth of the tumors. If Khalil’s body reacts positively to the medication, doctors may consider operating and removing the tumors at a later date. This is yet to be determined.

 

The downside of this treatment is the heavy cost which is not covered by insurance plans in Morocco. The cost per month (60 tablets x 2 daily) is $1600 USD which is approximately $2000 CAD. Pazopanib is also a long-term treatment which could last up to five years. This unexpected diagnosis has brought financial burden to the family on top of the stress of having a young son/brother being diagnosed with cancer.

 

The goal of this fundraiser is to raise $50,000 CAD which would provide financial support to help Khalil on his survival journey.

 

I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read Khalil’s story and for considering donating. It means the world to us!