I am setting this GoFundMe up for my niece, Samantha, who was born with a large birthmark/congenital blue nevus which covers her eye, nose and cheek and in 2016 the large area of pigmented changes became more raised over the skin. In 2021, Sam began regular (every 6 months) debulking of the benign tumour under her birthmark to break down the tumour to relieve pressure headaches and discomfort. After each debulking, tumour tissue was sent to a special lab in California for testing. In early Spring 2024, the debulking testing indicated the tumour had changed and showed malignant transformation to melanoma.

Immunotherapy was the chosen route for treatment which she started mid-July 2024. After 3 treatments of immunotherapy, Sam became quite sick and was hospitalized for a week. The immunotherapy had affected her Adrenal gland and she was diagnosed with Addison’s disease meaning she would require pills for thyroid, cortisol and steroids to support her immune system for the rest of her life. She has immunotherapy every few weeks and will continue this treatment for the next year or so.

At a surgical consult in the fall, there was indication that the pigment had grown and was invading her gums with the cancer visible on the inside of her mouth. Unfortunately, surgery was not an option as it would be too invasive causing Sam to lose her nose, one of her eyes, all teeth on one side of her mouth including the roof her mouth. Going ahead with surgery would only give her a 20% chance to be cancer free. Given the invasiveness and the poor prognosis, surgery was ruled out.

There has been no significant response to immunotherapy with progressive symptoms including increased facial swelling, eye/orbit pain/pressure with associated headaches and partial facial numbness. Due to her young age, the provincial authorities recommended/approved referral for 7-week proton beam radiotherapy in Florida as it is currently not available in Canada.

Sam will travel from Calgary to start her treatment at University Health Florida Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, Florida on January 27, 2025. The government of Alberta is covering the cost of her treatment however this does not cover travel costs and the 2 months of housing and daily expenses while there. A family member will be accompanying Sam to Florida and to all her treatments and will remain with her for the duration.

Sam just turned 30 and has 2 children who will not be able to see their mother for 2 months while she is out of the country. Expenses are adding up quickly for them and I am hoping that setting up this GoFundMe will help ease the financial burden on their family. All funds raised will be managed by me and allotted to the costs associated with being in the US while Sam has treatment. Any funds not used in Florida will be used to cover ongoing medical expenses that may arise due to the severe side effects that Sam may experience due to the treatment.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your consideration and assistance while my brother’s daughter goes through what we hope and pray to be a successful treatment.