Help with Debbie’s fight for her life!

Dear family and friends,

My name is Heather Piantanida. I would like to take a few minutes to tell you about my mother-in-law, Debbie Piantanida. If you have ever spoken with her, then you already know what I am about to say. She is one of the kindest, most selfless people that I know. She is the type of person who doesn't turn her back on anyone. She is quick to listen to a heavy heart or to celebrate your joy. If there is one thing that I know for certain, it is that she does not deserve what she has been, and continues to go through! Aj and I are writing to you today, because now she needs us.

In june of 2018, my husband received a call that no son ever wants to get from his mom... "I have cancer. It is stage 4, matastisized Uveal melanoma." She went on to explain that the cancer she had had in 2003, which took the sight in her right eye, had returned. Only this time, it had spread through her blood and into her liver. We learned that this is a very aggressive type of cancer, one for which there is no cure. The prognosis was grim. In 2-7 months 85% of those diagnosed will pass away. By 15 months 100% have passed.

Debbie's local oncologist had never heard of this cancer before. As a result, he sent her to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, in Boston, Massachusettes.

When we got to Dana, we found that they were conducting research on this rare type of cancer (It affects 6 out of every 1 million people.) They had finished a Phase I Study of a new Immunotherapy, and were looking for qualified participants to join their Phase II Study.

After additional testing, the Uveal Melanoma Research Team contacted Debbie. They informed her that she had met all of the criteria! On that day, Debbie became Dana Farber's first Phase II Trial Study participant. She was given a team of professionals and began treatment at once.

Here is where Debbie's fighting spirit took over. The early days were brutal. The life threatening reactions caused her to be hospitalized for 4 days, after each of the first 6 infusions. Beyond that, she began working diligently with her team, to counteract these reactions. Things gradually got better. She continued to respond positively to treatment. Our prayers were being answered.

Where things stand today... The study continues to be a great success! They are proving that this medicine can extend life. While she is the only surviving participant, in the Dana Farber study, she remains steady and strong. It has been 3 years since Debbie was first diagnosed (June 19, 2018.) She begins her 4th year of treatment on July 28. The infusions are working!

Debbie continues treatment, traveling from N.Y. to Boston each week. There is currently no end in sight. The Immunotherapy is stopping the cancer from growing. However, it has not made it go away.

Debbie has been unable to work, as fighting this cancer is very hard work. It takes everything she's got! She was put on full disability, early on, and has since exhausted any and all of her savings. Her financial resources are few. This cancer is rare enough that very little research and no fund raising have been done. There is no financial aid available to those fighting Uveal melanoma.

Between travel and lodging each week, and mounting medical expenses, the financial stress has become great. Many medications, as well as the specialists needed, are not fully covered. We all know how damaging stress can be on one's body and mind. Debbie needs all of her strength right now. We want to help ease this burden for

Aj and I have chosen $10,000 as our goal. This amount, while conservative (compared to her needs) will be a tremendous help in covering many of her expenses moving forward.

Will you please join us in helping Debbie win her fight against this cancer? Please know we are so grateful for your support!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

Heather & AJ Piantanida