Support Angelina's Cancer Treatment

As some of you may know, Angelina Da Graca was diagnosed with liver cancer in November 2017. In the process of navigating our medical options, we have learned she is not eligible for traditional chemo or radiation therapy due to the location of the tumour. But all hope is not lost, as we recently learned Angelina has been accepted as a trial participant in the London Regional Cancer Program offered through the London Health Sciences Centre!!!

This clinical trial offers Radioembolization (Y90) therapy - a minimally invasive procedure that combines embolization and radiation therapy to treat liver cancer. Tiny glass or resin beads filled with the radioactive isotope yttrium Y-90 are placed inside the blood vessels that feed a tumor. This blocks the supply of blood to the cancer cells and delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing normal tissue.

While this treatment has shown to extend and improve the lives of patients with inoperable tumors and improve their quality of life, it is not covered by OHIP. Radioembolization (Y90) is only publically funded in British Columbia and Alberta. While OHIP covers surgery costs, the drug cost itself – a staggering $19,000 per dosage – is not covered.  

As our family navigates endless doctors’ appointments and hospital expenses, we ask you to please consider making a donation towards a women who is has given so much through her own generosity, love and kindness.  

While we do not expect to raise enough to cover the entire cost of this treatment, any bit will help!  We will be presenting Angelina with the fund proceeds on her birthday this May 15, 2018.

We appreciate all and any support you can provide.