Donation protected
Would you please help the Kittelson-Burke family cover the expenses involved in providing treatment for 15-year-old Vanessa's diagnosis of Ocular Melanoma? All proceeds will go directly to covering hotel expenses, food, gas, co-pays, and deductibles, as they spend extended time at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for treatment.
Last September, at a routine exam, Vanessa's eye doctor noticed a spot on her left eye. After seeing two more specialists, she was finally referred to the Mayo Clinic. Two full days of blood work, CT scans, high-resolution pictures, and ultrasounds revealed that Vanessa has Ocular Melanoma.
Thankfully, the cancer has not spread, but it is serious and needs to be treated right away. Vanessa will return to Mayo Clinic on February 21, 2021, and begin plaque radiation on the 22nd.
Radioactive plaque is a sealed device that delivers a high dose of radiation to a tumor. The plaque will be surgically positioned on the surface of the eyeball directly over the tumor inside the eye. The eye will then be sewn shut and a patch will be placed over the eye. The plaque gives off radiation constantly during this time. There are very strict instructions during this time and the patient cannot be more than 30 minutes from the clinic. The plaque device will be removed after 5 full days, and close monitoring will follow. The doctor told them they are in for a 15 year relationship.
Our hope is to raise $12,000 for the Kittelson-Burkes by the time they return to Mayo for treatment. With all of the stress involved in a situation like this, we hope to alleviate at least the financial burden.
Please share this fundraiser with as many people as you can. With everyone's help, we can surround the Kittelson-Burke family with love and support during this challenging time.
Please keep Justin, Kristi, Vanessa, and the rest of their family in your prayers! We will update this page as information becomes available.
Last September, at a routine exam, Vanessa's eye doctor noticed a spot on her left eye. After seeing two more specialists, she was finally referred to the Mayo Clinic. Two full days of blood work, CT scans, high-resolution pictures, and ultrasounds revealed that Vanessa has Ocular Melanoma.
Thankfully, the cancer has not spread, but it is serious and needs to be treated right away. Vanessa will return to Mayo Clinic on February 21, 2021, and begin plaque radiation on the 22nd.
Radioactive plaque is a sealed device that delivers a high dose of radiation to a tumor. The plaque will be surgically positioned on the surface of the eyeball directly over the tumor inside the eye. The eye will then be sewn shut and a patch will be placed over the eye. The plaque gives off radiation constantly during this time. There are very strict instructions during this time and the patient cannot be more than 30 minutes from the clinic. The plaque device will be removed after 5 full days, and close monitoring will follow. The doctor told them they are in for a 15 year relationship.
Our hope is to raise $12,000 for the Kittelson-Burkes by the time they return to Mayo for treatment. With all of the stress involved in a situation like this, we hope to alleviate at least the financial burden.
Please share this fundraiser with as many people as you can. With everyone's help, we can surround the Kittelson-Burke family with love and support during this challenging time.
Please keep Justin, Kristi, Vanessa, and the rest of their family in your prayers! We will update this page as information becomes available.
Co-organizers (2)
Audra Charlebois
Organizer
Princeton, MN
Justin Kittelson-Burke
Beneficiary
Barb OLeary
Co-organizer