Help David Fight Leukemia — One Step at a Time
A month ago, our family’s life changed completely.
David was diagnosed with acute leukemia, and since that moment everything has revolved around hospital rooms, treatment schedules, medical decisions, and trying to stay strong for our children while facing an uncertain road ahead.
David is currently in hospital undergoing his first cycle of intensive chemotherapy, combined with targeted medication. The doctors are carefully monitoring how his body responds before deciding on the next stages of treatment.
We are taking this journey one step at a time, just as the doctors are guiding us.
Why We Are Asking for Help
The medical costs have started to add up very quickly.
So far, we have already incurred approximately HKD 80,000 (€ 8,840) in medical expenses, including:
- Ponatinib 45mg daily, a critical daily targeted medication specific to David’s leukemia. It’s a targeted therapy that blocks a specific abnormal protein driving my type of leukemia (Philadelphia chromosome–positive), and it works alongside chemotherapy to help control the disease more effectively. (HKD 26,500 monthly) (€3,000)
- Pegasparaginase a key chemotherapy drug used as part of the leukemia treatment protocol. This medication helps deprive leukemia cells of an essential nutrient they need to survive and is an important component of achieving remission. (HKD 21,592 – one-time cost so far) (€2,400)
- An urgent MRI scan (HKD 20,000) (€2,200)
- Ongoing weekly hospital-related costs at Queen Mary Hospital (tests, medications, and supportive care) (HKD 10,000 month) (€1,100)
These expenses were necessary and unavoidable
Looking ahead, the doctors have explained that further treatment — will include immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy leukemia cells more precisely. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks both healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy is targeted, meaning it helps the immune system identify cancer cells and attack them more effectively while reducing damage to healthy cells.
In David’s case, immunotherapy is considered because his leukemia is Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+), a type of leukemia that often benefits from combining chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to achieve deeper remission and reduce the risk of relapse. This treatment is especially important to help eliminate any remaining cancer cells that chemotherapy alone may not fully remove.
This is a life-saving treatments for David’s type of leukemia. These therapies are not covered by insurance or the public healthcare system and therefore need to be funded privately, which is why we are seeking support through this fundraiser.
Each cycle of immunotherapy costs approximately HKD 250,000, (€27,600) with the number of cycles depending on how David’s body responds to treatment, however it could be up to 5 cycles. At this stage, the doctors cannot yet determine the total number of cycles required — this will only become clear after completing the first phase of treatment and reviewing follow-up results.
Because the treatment plan evolves over time, we have decided to approach this fundraising in phases.
Our First Goal: HKD 250,000 (€27,600)
Which will help us:
- Cover ongoing medical and hospital expenses
- Secure essential medications
- Give us some breathing room while doctors assess the next steps in David’s treatment
- Part of the First cicle of immunotherapy treatment
As we learn more and move forward, we will share updates openly and honestly.
From Our Family
It is not easy for us to share this. Like many families, we never imagined we would find ourselves in this position. However, we have been deeply touched by the kindness, messages, and support we have already received.
If you are able to contribute, any amount—no matter how small—helps. If you cannot donate, sharing this page or keeping us in your thoughts means just as much.
Thank you for walking this road with us, for your compassion, and for giving our family strength during this difficult time.
With all our gratitude,
David, Ayelen, and our children
Organizer
