My dear friend Anna, a 40-year-old mother of four children aged between 13 and 3, is facing the toughest battle of her life. Diagnosed with stage four cancer, her condition has progressed beyond what local healthcare in Finland can manage. Anna suffers from adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder which has spread to her liver, making it difficult to operate on. Finnish healthcare is not willing to try it unless the tumours can be reduced; the advanced stage of Anna’s cancer and the poor prognosis mean that public healthcare providers are reluctant to provide her with costly medications or surgeries.

Now Anna’s only chance lies with private healthcare options, for which she does not have private health insurance. The medication we are raising money to procure is called Durvalumab. It comes with a high cost (around 15.000€/ month) but is proven to be superior in treating this type of cancer alongside medications she is already receiving. In addition to the precious gift of more time with her children, this medication could potentially reduce the size of the tumours, making her eligible for the life-saving surgery and treatment the Finnish health service is currently unwilling to provide. Anna is still in good enough shape for these treatments to make a difference, if she were eligible. A few months’ course of Durvalumab would show whether the medication is working and if it puts Anna on a path to surgery and recovery.

Anna is such a lovely person, not only a devoted mother who has always put her children first but a wonderful friend who is always the first to offer help and support to all in need. Despite the immense challenges of her illness, she remains a source of love and strength for everyone close to her. This fight is bigger than she can face alone. The cost of seeking specialized care is overwhelming, and time is running out. If anyone deserves a chance, it is her.

We are pleading for your help to raise the funds necessary for Anna’s medication, treatment, and potentially an operation abroad if the medication is successful in reducing her tumours. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to giving Anna a chance—a chance to see her children grow, to share more birthdays, and to keep building precious memories.

Here’s how you can help:

Donate: Every contribution matters.

Share: Spread the word.

Support: Send words of encouragement, prayers, or messages of hope. They mean the world to Anna and her family during this difficult time.

Obviously Anna’s costs will exceed the money we are asking for here, but we are seeking funds from as many sources as possible. We are trying everything we can to raise her the money she needs, to give her children more time with their mother.

Please consider donating.

With gratitude,

Laura Rivanti

Thank you for your kindness and support.