Around this time last year, our world was turned upside down when our best friend, Phoebe, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma - an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. Early conversations with the medical team gave an estimated prognosis of around a year. We were devastated. However, here we are: almost exactly 1 year later and Phoebe is fighting strong.

Phoebe has faced this diagnosis with a courage that we’ve been so inspired by. She underwent an open brain surgery on her birthday last year to remove the tumour, then over the next months underwent the standard course of radiation and chemotherapy to keep further growth at bay. Despite this, a follow-up MRI a few months ago showed further tumour growth. This time in an area of the brain that makes complete removal of the tumour via surgery extremely high risk and nearly impossible.

After extensive research, another option has emerged: an autologous dendritic cell vaccine.  This is a highly specialised immunotherapy that trains Phoebe’s own immune cells to attack the cancer. This treatment has shown very promising results in trials, with many patients getting valuable time added onto their prognosis. And, given how well Phoebe is already doing against all odds, we are hopeful that she could have a really good response to a treatment like this. 

However, because the treatment is still technically in clinical trial stages, it is not publicly funded. The treatment itself will cost a very large amount and requires multiple trips to Europe to receive doses over time. This is where we need your help. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Phoebe pay for this treatment and associated costs. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page means just as much. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our best friend

Jemima and Elspeth xx