Nora’s fight against Neuroblastoma
Donation protected
My friends, Megan and Luke, are not only wonderful people but phenomenal parents to James (aka Sir James to me!) and Sweet Nora. They are going through an unfathomable parental journey - Nora being born with cancer. Due to the extreme rarity of Nora's type of cancer, she has to go to specialists in major cities and insurance does not cover travel, food, or medical bills that continue to grow. As dear friends, this journey has been tortuous for them but everyday I am impressed with their support of each other and their children. I am raising this on their behalf and all money generated will be given to The Snowdowne's for Nora's current and future medical bills.
On July 2nd, 2021 at 30 weeks pregnant, Megan and Luke’s world turned upside down when doctor's advised there was a mass on their unborn daughter’s adrenal gland during a normal scan. Through a scheduled ultrasound and an additional MRI, Baby Snowy was diagnosed with a rare form of Cancer known as Neuroblastoma. The cancer continued to spread during the rest of Megan’s pregnancy.
At 38 weeks, Nora was born and immediately taken to the NICU. On day two of her life, she underwent surgery for a biopsy and extremely rare Neuroblastoma was confirmed in addition to the liver being ‘speckled’ with masses. She spent 9 nights in the NICU before being released, with her liver enlarged all the way into her pelvis with the masses growing at an alarming rate. Megan and Luke made the tough decision to have Nora undergo chemotherapy; at mere 8 weeks old Nora had her first round of chemo. A second round was required, but it was delayed due to complications requiring Nora, along with Megan, to stay in the hospital for week. Being the fighter that she is, Nora reacted well to the second treatment, but will require years more treatment and care because she still has cancer.
The Snowdowne family are in a monitoring period where Nora requires frequent scans and tests to take place. Nora's next appointment will be in New York to receive specialized care from experts in this field. Unfortunately, Nora's original hospital was not specialized for this type of cancer and missed some crucial steps.
Megan and Luke have insurance with the lowest deductible possible but they reached the annual out of pocket cost for 2021 and know this will continue to occur for years to come - adding over $11,000 every year in medical bills on top of travel to/from the specialists and normal after-insurance costs. They will be reaching another $11,000 within the next month or two after her specialist appointments and tests in New York which includes having to be sedated for a critical radiology scan she needs.
We understand the last few years have been hard for everyone and if you can't donate, please send Nora's prayers and well wishes. thank you!
On July 2nd, 2021 at 30 weeks pregnant, Megan and Luke’s world turned upside down when doctor's advised there was a mass on their unborn daughter’s adrenal gland during a normal scan. Through a scheduled ultrasound and an additional MRI, Baby Snowy was diagnosed with a rare form of Cancer known as Neuroblastoma. The cancer continued to spread during the rest of Megan’s pregnancy.
At 38 weeks, Nora was born and immediately taken to the NICU. On day two of her life, she underwent surgery for a biopsy and extremely rare Neuroblastoma was confirmed in addition to the liver being ‘speckled’ with masses. She spent 9 nights in the NICU before being released, with her liver enlarged all the way into her pelvis with the masses growing at an alarming rate. Megan and Luke made the tough decision to have Nora undergo chemotherapy; at mere 8 weeks old Nora had her first round of chemo. A second round was required, but it was delayed due to complications requiring Nora, along with Megan, to stay in the hospital for week. Being the fighter that she is, Nora reacted well to the second treatment, but will require years more treatment and care because she still has cancer.
The Snowdowne family are in a monitoring period where Nora requires frequent scans and tests to take place. Nora's next appointment will be in New York to receive specialized care from experts in this field. Unfortunately, Nora's original hospital was not specialized for this type of cancer and missed some crucial steps.
Megan and Luke have insurance with the lowest deductible possible but they reached the annual out of pocket cost for 2021 and know this will continue to occur for years to come - adding over $11,000 every year in medical bills on top of travel to/from the specialists and normal after-insurance costs. They will be reaching another $11,000 within the next month or two after her specialist appointments and tests in New York which includes having to be sedated for a critical radiology scan she needs.
We understand the last few years have been hard for everyone and if you can't donate, please send Nora's prayers and well wishes. thank you!
Co-organizers (3)
Cathy Kugler
Organizer
Rockledge, FL
Luke Snowdowne
Beneficiary
Megan Snowdowne
Co-organizer