Help Cory Kaminsky Beat Cancer #fightwithcory

A few months ago, Cory Kaminsky's life was turned upside down with the news that Cory has Stage 4 esophageal cancer. Cory lives a healthy life. He doesn't drink and has never smoked a cigarette in his life. He is active at his work and around the house, always ready to lend a hand to help others. At only 44 years old, no one expected this news.               

Cory is known for his love of projects, both in the technology world and at home. But his most important project has been his family. He is the loving husband to Alanna, and the devoted father of Nyla (13), Darren (11), Henry (1.5), and little Daniel who was born only a few weeks ago.  He is a dedicated man to his children and extended family – a thoughtful son and dedicated brother.

Because his cancer is advanced, and because esophageal cancer is less common than other cancers, Cory’s treatment options are limited in Canada. He is trying everything possible to beat this cancer, with both alternative and traditional treatment. He has completed a course of radiation, and 4 rounds of chemotherapy (GO CORY!). However, the type of chemotherapy that Cory is currently on is very toxic and is not expected to last very long.

There is a new type of traditional treatment for cancer patients called immunotherapy, which is not chemotherapy. Instead of attacking the cancer cells directly, immunotherapy drugs train the immune system to target tiny mutations on the surface of cancer cells. It does not work for everyone, but it has been known to lead to a cure in otherwise incurable cancers (including some cases of Stage 4 esophageal cancer!). The best known immunotherapy drug is called Keytruda.

Cory should have the right to try Keytruda. 

Unfortunately, Cory has learned that our local cancer specialists are refusing to prescribe him immunotherapy drugs. The reason? Health Canada has only approved immunotherapy drugs for 8 types of cancer – and esophageal cancer isn’t on the list yet. (This restriction is administrative, since immunotherapy does not target cancer types differently – it doesn’t target them at all. Immunotherapy works on the immune system.)

But Keytruda is approved for Cory’s cancer in the USA.

We have received some incredible support for Cory from family and friends, and preliminary testing has been positive! THANK YOU! We need help raising the money to allow Cory to cover the costs of treatment.

In addition to the cost of the drugs themselves, your donation would help pay for

-baseline PET scan
-additional testing (molecular/genetic testing)
-airfare (4-6 trips for infusions)
-a place to stay and transportation
-hospital fees for “chair time” (medical supervision during 4-6 infusion sessions)
-lab work
-follow-up PET scan 

We would appreciate any contribution. It may sound cheesy and cliche, but it is true – even just a few dollars would make a difference. $5 from a stranger makes a difference. $10 from a colleague makes a difference. It sends the message that he isn't alone. If you are unable to donate, please help us by sharing this with others. Let them know that Cory is a fantastic person and that you stand with him.

Thank you so much for supporting Cory and his family in this battle.  Cory is a fighter and will do whatever it takes to get more time with his kids. He does not have disability insurance and the family is juggling everything they can right now.

But we just aren’t willing to give up.