Help Yifei Fight Chordoma
Donation protected
My name is Xiujuan Lu. My daughter Yifei Lu is fighting against chordoma, a very rare type of brain tumor. In July 2015, when Yifei was at age 15, the tumor was first discovered at her skull base. The news was devastating, especially to us because I became a single mother when Yifei was at age 2. However, I consider Yifei to be extremely fortunate to have the tremendous amount of love and care that she has received from her family, her doctors, and her extended family members, friends and many people I have never known before.
In October 2015, after two consecutive brain surgeries in Beijing, Yifei was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) initially for proton radiation therapy since surgery was difficult to completely remove cancer cells surrounding the spine. Unexpectedly, she had to have two more big brain surgeries in MGH. With three months of intensive radiation therapy, Yifei seemed back to normal. We were so happy about that until half a year later when Yifei started having severe upper back pain: the tumor further went down to the spine. Yifei went through the 5th surgery in Oct. 2016. But no hospital in China accepted her for the after-surgery radiation therapy. Again Yifei came to MGH in Nov. 2016 for further radiation.
But situation is getting worse. MRI image showed more cancer cells growth on Yifei's neck bones. Treatment and cost are unpredictable.
Ever after Yifei’s cancer diagnosis, I have been experiencing unimaginable pressure, both emotionally and financially. Without health insurance in US, medical cost is huge. The latest round of radiation therapy alone costs $165,000, not to mention the cost for multiple surgeries. I am neck deep in debt. Being only 16, Yifei is thirsty for knowledge, and so eager to go back to school that she has been requesting her doctors to avoid administering any pain medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. Even though the pain is severe and sometimes unendurable, she does not want the painkillers to slow down her brain activity and other body functions. The medical journey is tough. Yifei is my only child, and she is all of my life. I cannot live without her. I am here pleading for your compassion, your prayers, and your monetary support in any amount. Please help Yifei, help me!
In October 2015, after two consecutive brain surgeries in Beijing, Yifei was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) initially for proton radiation therapy since surgery was difficult to completely remove cancer cells surrounding the spine. Unexpectedly, she had to have two more big brain surgeries in MGH. With three months of intensive radiation therapy, Yifei seemed back to normal. We were so happy about that until half a year later when Yifei started having severe upper back pain: the tumor further went down to the spine. Yifei went through the 5th surgery in Oct. 2016. But no hospital in China accepted her for the after-surgery radiation therapy. Again Yifei came to MGH in Nov. 2016 for further radiation.
But situation is getting worse. MRI image showed more cancer cells growth on Yifei's neck bones. Treatment and cost are unpredictable.
Ever after Yifei’s cancer diagnosis, I have been experiencing unimaginable pressure, both emotionally and financially. Without health insurance in US, medical cost is huge. The latest round of radiation therapy alone costs $165,000, not to mention the cost for multiple surgeries. I am neck deep in debt. Being only 16, Yifei is thirsty for knowledge, and so eager to go back to school that she has been requesting her doctors to avoid administering any pain medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. Even though the pain is severe and sometimes unendurable, she does not want the painkillers to slow down her brain activity and other body functions. The medical journey is tough. Yifei is my only child, and she is all of my life. I cannot live without her. I am here pleading for your compassion, your prayers, and your monetary support in any amount. Please help Yifei, help me!
Organizer and beneficiary
XiuJuan Lu
Organizer
Boston, MA
Yanhua Yan
Beneficiary