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Ria's Road to Immunotherapy

We are raising money to fund Immunotherapy treatment in Germany for Ria Melvin. On 23rd December 2018, at age 23, Ria collapsed suddenly on a family holiday in Devon. Scans showed a large bleed to the brain causing severe left sided weakness, to everyone’s shock the bleed was due to a large brain tumour. There was no way to tell how long the tumour had been there, especially as Ria had no symptoms – graduating from Loughborough University where she played football to a high standard, being accepted into her dream job as a constable in Essex Police and travelling around Africa just a few months before. After a successful 6 hour surgery in Plymouth hospital to drain the bleed and remove the tumour, we thought the worst was over. However, we were devastated to find out the results - Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Grade  4 . A fast growing aggressive brain tumour with a poor prognosis. The common length of survival is 12-18 months, with fewer than 3-5% of people diagnosed surviving longer than 5 years. The past 18 months have been a whirlwind - from rehabilitation to re-learn how to walk and use her left arm to intensive treatment including 6 weeks radiotherapy as well as 6 months chemotherapy. Throughout this difficult time Ria has remained her usual positive, humble self – continuing to bring fun and laughter everywhere she goes. Unfortunately after only 10 months tumour free, a scan in June 2020 showed regrowth of the original tumour. 3 weeks ago Ria underwent another surgery to remove it at Queens Hospital, Romford.  The options in the NHS are now limited for Ria. After extensive research and guidance from medical professionals, the most promising treatment option available to Ria at this time is Immunotherapy.  This highly specialised method of treatment encourages your immune system to recognise and attack tumour cells. This specific Immunotherapy is not available in the UK, only in Germany and the US. We want to try everything possible to give Ria the best opportunity to stop another regrowth. We have decided to travel to Germany for Ria to start Immunotherapy as soon as possible. As you can imagine, this is a costly private treatment so are asking for your support in fundraising towards Ria’s treatment. We would be very grateful for any contribution you are able to make. We will be organising various fundraising events/challenges, stay tuned for details! Thanks for reading! The Melvin Family #RaisingForRia
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Donations 

  • Natasha Rogan
    • £10 
    • 2 yrs
  • Natasha Rogan
    • £10 
    • 2 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • £5 
    • 2 yrs
  • Shirley Taylor
    • £10 
    • 2 yrs
  • Maxine
    • £5 
    • 2 yrs
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Fundraising team (2)

Kaz Melvin
Organizer
Raised £7,535 from 128 donations
Ria Melvin
Team member
Raised £24,851 from 364 donations
This team raised £70,692 from 1615 other donations.

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