Help Kayla Borkowsky fight Brain Cancer

Hello, my name is Morgan Benitez, and I am hosting this fundraiser on behalf of Kayla Borkowsky and her family. I am a close friend of Kayla, and I have known her since she was 4 months old. Our families have been very intertwined over the years, with sharing same jobs, family vacations and milestones in each other’s lives.

First and foremost, Kayla and her family would like to thank the families, friends and acquaintances (near and far) that have sent love, offered help and support, as well as have continued to check in during this extremely difficult time. They are very grateful for the thoughts, prayers and positive energy they have all received following the devastating news of Kayla’s diagnosis. While Kayla’s journey already feels like a long one, it has unfolded very quickly over just a few short months.

3 months ago Kayla was a happy and seemingly healthy 22-year-old. She was full-time working mother, to her daughter Presley, who is 2 years old. Kayla and her fiancé Brock, were busy trying to buy a home in this crazy housing market. After many months of sacrificing and saving, they were finally able to secure a townhome in Chilliwack. Shortly after closing on their new townhome, Kayla found herself at the ER at Surrey Memorial Hospital due to an excruciating headache and vision troubles. Unfortunately, it was during this visit, that the doctors discovered she had a large mass in the center of her brain. While still in hospital with this diagnosis, their young family took possession of their new home.

Once the mass was discovered, Kayla was admitted to Surrey Memorial Hospital, and then eventually transferred to the Neurosurgery ward at Royal Columbian Hospital, where they performed a biopsy to further diagnose the tumour. The biopsy results were devastatingly the worst-case scenario, where Kayla and her family were informed that the tumour is a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, a Grade IV Glioblastoma H3 K2M7 Mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma. To date, Kayla has undergone a total of 6 CT scans, 3 MRIs, a brain biopsy, craniotomy surgery, surgical placement of VP shunt, radiation mask fitting, and just over three weeks of radiation daily.

Because of the location of the tumour, the neurosurgeon was only able to remove approximately 30-40%. The Oncologist delivered the unthinkable news that radiation, the only option available, would only buy her time, and that the tumour itself was most likely terminal, where she was given approximately 1 year to live.

However, regardless of the diagnosis, Kayla is strong, battling hard, and refuses to let this be her fate. Her family has been doing extensive research to find alternative treatments and clinical trials that are available outside of Canada. They have been in touch with Oncologists in the USA, and extended family have also been consulting with Oncologists in Northern Ireland, where Kayla was born. Kayla has also been consulting with Naturopath Oncologists, and a Naturopath Oncologist nutritionist, who has developed a specialized diet that is specific to help fight brain cancer, along with seeking hypnotherapy and counselling. Kayla will not give up beyond radiation, and will continue to work with the Naturopath Oncologists and to pursue alternative treatments. The costs of the Naturopathic treatments are currently averaging $2200.00 per week, with more to be added. Her family would also like to pursue Foundation One Testing on Kayla’s tumour, which will come at an approximate cost of $6000.00 USD. Kayla’s family has been in touch with a clinic in Houston, Texas, that has had some outstanding success stories for Kayla’s specific type brain tumour. These treatments they offer will come at a cost of approximately $9000.00 USD per month plus travel expenses. There are also several clinical trials being actively pursued, but these will likely require travel expenses to the USA and or Great Britain.

For those of you that know Kayla, you will see she is remaining positive and focusing on her beautiful daughter Presley, fiancé Brock, and parents Darryl and Kelly. We want Kayla’s sole focus to be on fighting the cancer while allowing us to deal with the other stresses. We are seeking financial assistance for any expenses incurred as a result of Kayla’s diagnosis, medical treatments, assist Kayla with her financial needs during this difficult time. Any monies not spent, will be held in trust by Kayla’s mother, Kelly Borkowsky, to help assist and support Presley and her future.

Thank you to everyone for your support through this time. We will forever be grateful.