Darlene's Last Option
Donation protected
Spring 2016 brought devastating news to Darlene, her family and her friends. She was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. At the age of 69, the odds were stacked against her, but we all know how much of a fighter Darlene is. She fought harder than anyone one of us would expect and by November 2016 she got great news from her medical team - No Evidence of Disease.
This of course, came after many months of extreme pain and treatment. Through it all, Darlene maintained her sunny and warm personality and never let the disease take away from her optimistic outlook on life. She proved she had so much to live for and fought her way through surgery which resulted in her instantly becoming a diabetic. She also received chemotherapy during the summer and fall of 2016. All of this took a great toll on her and although, it was very hard at times, she continued to fight. She also continued to be a part of her business, The Bannock Wagon. This business idea was borne by her and has been a big part of her life for the past several years. To this day, Darlene is still actively involved in the success of her business.
Winter 2017 brought devastating news to Darlene. Her 6 month checkup showed the cancer had spread to her liver and lower back. Having already exhausted her treatment options the first time around, her medical team quickly eliminated all other treatment options this time, with one single option left. To add to the sadness this news brought, Darlene was informed that the treatment option was not currently covered by our medical system. On top of the extra expenses Darlene pays out daily to maintain her diabetes and health, she was told that she would have to pay out of pocket the expense for her only treatment plan.
With no other choice, Darlene started her new treatment plan at the end of May 2017. Opdivo cost her $3,527. That is for one dose. ONE DOSE. She needs 6 doses to start with the potential for more required in the near future if there is a chance to stop the growth of her cancer.
It is harder than one would expect, but there comes a point when you need to ask for help. Darlene has hung in there and struggled this far. Her family is the one who has asked to reach out for assistance. So, with heavy hearts and an optimistic outlook, we ask for any assistance at this time to help fight Darlene’s battle with cancer.
The money raised is to directly pay for Opdivo along with the extra expenses that have taken a toll on Darlene and Barry financially. Liquidating assets can only cover so much. Although we are in the process of trying to get this drug treatment plan covered, even in part, it has not been looking optimistic as the drug is currently covered for other cancer types as well as it being new to treat patients similar to Darlene. Our medical system desperately needs to be revised, but we can only focus on getting Darlene through her last option for treatment with the hopes that one day, campaigns like this will not be necessary.
We thank you for taking the time to read this. Well wishes , support and private transfers can be sent to: [email redacted].
This of course, came after many months of extreme pain and treatment. Through it all, Darlene maintained her sunny and warm personality and never let the disease take away from her optimistic outlook on life. She proved she had so much to live for and fought her way through surgery which resulted in her instantly becoming a diabetic. She also received chemotherapy during the summer and fall of 2016. All of this took a great toll on her and although, it was very hard at times, she continued to fight. She also continued to be a part of her business, The Bannock Wagon. This business idea was borne by her and has been a big part of her life for the past several years. To this day, Darlene is still actively involved in the success of her business.
Winter 2017 brought devastating news to Darlene. Her 6 month checkup showed the cancer had spread to her liver and lower back. Having already exhausted her treatment options the first time around, her medical team quickly eliminated all other treatment options this time, with one single option left. To add to the sadness this news brought, Darlene was informed that the treatment option was not currently covered by our medical system. On top of the extra expenses Darlene pays out daily to maintain her diabetes and health, she was told that she would have to pay out of pocket the expense for her only treatment plan.
With no other choice, Darlene started her new treatment plan at the end of May 2017. Opdivo cost her $3,527. That is for one dose. ONE DOSE. She needs 6 doses to start with the potential for more required in the near future if there is a chance to stop the growth of her cancer.
It is harder than one would expect, but there comes a point when you need to ask for help. Darlene has hung in there and struggled this far. Her family is the one who has asked to reach out for assistance. So, with heavy hearts and an optimistic outlook, we ask for any assistance at this time to help fight Darlene’s battle with cancer.
The money raised is to directly pay for Opdivo along with the extra expenses that have taken a toll on Darlene and Barry financially. Liquidating assets can only cover so much. Although we are in the process of trying to get this drug treatment plan covered, even in part, it has not been looking optimistic as the drug is currently covered for other cancer types as well as it being new to treat patients similar to Darlene. Our medical system desperately needs to be revised, but we can only focus on getting Darlene through her last option for treatment with the hopes that one day, campaigns like this will not be necessary.
We thank you for taking the time to read this. Well wishes , support and private transfers can be sent to: [email redacted].
Organizer and beneficiary
Krystal McKay
Organizer
Chilliwack, BC
Darlene M
Beneficiary
