Mandy's Medical Miracle!

They say it takes a village to raise a child...and sometimes... it takes a village to SAVE A PERSON and A LIFE!

Our daughter, sister, wife, auntie, family member, friend, teacher and chiropractor Mandy Lee is that person and it is HER life.  We are her village!
(Mandy with her beloved Furbaby, Kairo at the Walk of Hope)


In September 2016, out of the blue and completely blindsided,  Mandy was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer (high grade serous carcinoma - stage 3c).  This is the most aggressive type of ovarian cancer and also one of the most difficult cancers to treat.  Shortly after diagnosis, Mandy underwent extensive de-bulking surgery and started an aggressive chemotherapy regime weekly for 18 weeks (6 rounds).  At the end of initial treatment it was determined that there was 'no evidence of disease'.

Unfortunately, despite all of her initial treatment and the many other natural therapies and lifestyle changes made by Mandy (not to mention her amazing positive attitude), another tumour was discovered in August of 2019 (exactly 3 years from her original diagnosis).

On October 18th, Mandy underwent another surgery to remove the tumour that was found in her retroperitoneal cavity (same area as where the original cancer was).  She also underwent a PET scan which revealed that the tumour was local and had not spread to any other areas of her body.  However, after meeting with her oncologists she was told that without an innovative treatment "it is not IF this cancer will come back but WHEN".  She has been told that more chemotherapy will not be curative and will not prevent another recurrence.
(After her 2nd surgery and despite having 40 staples in her belly she still manages a smile and a thumbs up for the camera!)

As you can imagine, this news was hard for all of us to hear but Mandy went straight to work and started researching 'innovative treatments' and shortly after surgery, Mandy had the tumour and her blood work sent to Germany and paid privately to have the tumour DNA sequenced for a potential cancer vaccine ($15,000 CAD).  She just recently found out that she has been approved for this vaccine and has been deemed a good candidate for this treatment.  Hallelujah!

THIS IS MANDY'S  BEST CHANCE TO STOP THIS CANCER IN IT'S TRACKS AND PREVENT IT FROM COMING BACK ONCE AND FOR ALL.

This treatment is a personalized peptide vaccine(www.cegat.de) and it will be made specifically for Mandy based on her tumour profile.  It is designed to prime her immune system's T-cells to attack the abnormal cancer cells in her body.  The vaccine is made in Germany and under the' German Drug Law' can only be administered in Germany.  

As you can imagine, this treatment comes with a huge price tag and is also a massive time commitment (Mandy must fly to Germany every 4-6 weeks for injections for 2 years).  But, as we already mentioned above this is her BEST option.

The vaccine must be paid for up-front before they will start the process of making it.  The creation process takes 3 months to make so time is of the essence and our hope is that we can have this started in early January.  We have broken down the cost of treatment and travel so you can see how your money will be helping:

Personalized Cancer Vaccine - $49,000 US ( $64,515 CAD)
(27 injections - 4 in the first month and 1 injection for 23 months)

Immune Monitoring/Monitoring of Tumour Mutation Levels - $18,500 US ($24,358 CAD)

Estimated Cost of Travel  - $31, 200 CAD

Total - $120,073 CAD

We have not taken into account accommodations while she is in Germany or any loss of wages while she is away from work.   

We LOVE our Wonder Woman Mandy and we want to have her around for a very, very long time.  If you know Mandy you already know that she is one of the most generous people you will ever meet.  She volunteers in her community, has fundraised for Ovarian Cancer Canada and gives of her time and money generously.  She always puts the needs of others before her own but she has reluctantly agreed to be the receiver of this love and allow us to do this for her.  PLEASE help us in any way you can. Every little bit helps and it will allow Mandy to get the treatment she needs and deserves (and finally be cancer free).  This is our Christmas wish...Mandy's Medical Miracle!

With love and gratitude,
Mandy's Family and Friends

P.S. If you are unable to help financially please consider sharing  this campaign and include the  hashtag #mandysmedicalmiracle #drmandystrong

P.S.S. You can also e-transfer your donation directly to Mandy if you wish to avoid transaction fees. Her email is [email redacted]

Other Ways to Help:
**Share this campaign
**Have Airmiles/Aeroplan/BMO Rewards/RBC Avion Points??  Consider donating them to Mandy or book a flight or accommodations with your point to help her get to Germany
** Love and Prayers always accepted 

Mandy and her three biggest fans!  

Mandy and her husband David at the Walk of Hope for ovarian cancer