Hope for Hana

In February 2017 Hana Johnson was diagnosed with an aggressive Epithelioid Glioblastoma brain tumor.  Hana had a successful surgery to remove the tumour followed by radiation and chemotherapy.  Hana and her family, Troy and Rita Johnson, have recently found out that the cancer has reoccurred in her spine.

Cancer research has been evolving the past 10-15 years, where researchers are identifying specific tumour genetic characteristics. This allows them to develop specific therapies that target individual genetics and weakness'.  After Hana's initial surgery, testing further identified her cancer as having a rare, BRAF V600E mutation.

This targeted therapy approach has identified a very effective drug for this specific mutation.  It has been a game changer for a few different cancers but extensive research has shown astonishing results with the BRAF V600E mutation of Epithelioid Glioblastomas.

Health Canada has approved this drug for some types of cancers but not Hana’s, meaning Sask Health will not cover any of the costs.

After much research and discussion with medical professionals, the BRAF targeted therapy offers complete regression to over half of patients.  They have confirmed they can get a prescription and fill it in Canada, at a personal cost of approximately $8000 a month for the targeted therapy plus the accompanying drugs required (which will end up costing over $100,000 per year).

A researcher in the Cancer Clinic recently told the family " The science and advancement in cancer research are way ahead of the approval and funding process".

Troy and Rita, along with their other children, Luke, Kate and Abby are wanting to provide Hana with the best treatment possible.

We as a community, with families of our own, are able to support and assist Hana in her fight.  Dawn Ethier has graciously agreed to coordinate this fundraising campain and ensure all funds are directed towards Hana's treatment.