Support Justine's Battle Against Glioblastoma

  • M
  • C
  • R
836 donors
0% complete

$137,588 raised of $120K CAD

Support Justine's Battle Against Glioblastoma

Donation protected
Dear friends, family, and community members,

Justine is the kind of person everyone knows — and everyone has a story about. She’s strong, funny, a little stubborn in the best way, and endlessly caring. She has spent her life lifting others up, often with humor and honesty, and she is truly cherished by her community. Today, she’s facing an unimaginable challenge, and we are rallying together to help her access the treatment that gives her hope.

Justine was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer. GBM has no cure, and despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, treatment options remain extremely limited.

Since her diagnosis, our family has been researching relentlessly and consulting with specialists and peers to explore all possible paths forward.

After extensive research and consultations, we have decided to move forward with what we believe is Justine’s most promising treatment option: a personalized cancer vaccine developed by CeGAT in Germany, administered through PreciOnco in Vilnius, Lithuania.

This vaccine is designed specifically for Justine. Using tissue from her tumor, CeGAT creates a fully personalized immunotherapy that trains her immune system to recognize and attack her unique cancer cells. Unlike standard immunotherapy vaccines that use only one non-personalized peptide, this approach utilizes multiple peptides tailored directly from her tumor’s DNA, offering a far more targeted strategy.

*Clinical studies and real-world data suggest that personalized peptide vaccines like CeGAT may significantly improve survival outcomes compared to standard therapy alone. This cutting edge treatment is not yet approved in North America.

While this treatment gives us hope, it also comes with a significant financial burden. The vaccine and related care will be out of pocket expenses.

The total cost is estimated to be over $120,000, which includes:

  • Personalized vaccine production in Germany
  • Medical administration and monitoring through PreciOnco in Lithuania
  • International travel, accommodations, and related expenses

Justine will need to travel multiple times to Lithuania throughout the course of treatment.

She is approaching this journey with courage, determination, and hope. Our goal is to relieve the overwhelming financial stress so she can focus fully on healing and spending meaningful time with those she loves.

We are asking for support from family, friends, and our wider community. Every donation — no matter the size — truly makes a difference.

We have received feedback from some donors who would prefer to send money directly to Justine. If you would prefer to mail a cheque, please address to:

Justine Hughes
769 Kitley South Elmsley Townline Road
Smith Falls, Ontario K7A 4S5

If you have Justine’s email, you’re welcome to send an e-transfer directly.

If you’re unable to give, simply sharing this page helps more than you know.

Your kindness, generosity, prayers, and encouragement have already meant the world to Justine and our family. We are deeply grateful for the love surrounding her during this fight.

Thank you for standing with Justine as she takes on this challenge. With faith, hope, and the power of community, we believe brighter days are still ahead.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Justine & Family ❤️

Organizer and beneficiary

Janessa Klein-Swormink
Organizer
Russell, ON
Justine Hughes
Beneficiary
  • Medical
  • Donation protected

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee