#AnnaStrong

On November 21, 2017,  (Camryn’s 10th Birthday) Anna was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. After finding a lump in her left breast in June 2017, Anna decided on a double mastectomy. After surgery, the surgeon reported that he thought the lymph nodes looked good and the plan was made for chemotherapy and radiation. Several weeks later, news from the pathologist came back that the lymph nodes had cancer and a bone & CT scan were ordered. Those scans showed a tumour on Anna’s spine. Since then Anna has undergone the recommended treatment for her stage IV cancer at Cancer Care Manitoba in Winnipeg. 

Although CancerCare Manitoba has been wonderful, Anna would like to travel to explore treatment with a world renowned breast cancer oncologist in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dr. Leyland-Jones is best known for leading major changes in breast cancer clinical trials and aggressive treatments, as well as his ongoing focus on how genomics plays a vital role in the fight against breast cancer.   This is one of the top breast cancer treatment programs in the world and it is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which is driving distance from Winnipeg.

In January 2018 Anna’s parents spent $5000 to have her tumour sent to Boston, Massachusetts to Foundation One Medicine for genomic profiling.  It is a test that  provides information about clinically relevant biomarkers and genomic alterations to help match patients to approved targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and clinical trials — giving doctors and patients powerful actionable insights for navigating cancer care.  This test is now a valuable tool for Dr. Leyland-Jones to determine Anna's treatment plan.  

We are wanting to raise money for the doctor’s appointment, hotels and the treatment plan that Dr. Leyland-Jones suggests. This visit will not be covered by Manitoba Health as it is in the United States.  I contacted Dr. Leyland-Jones' office and the first visit is $2000 and the treatment plans can range from $2000-$15,000/month.  

On November 9, 2018, Dr. Leyland-Jones advised that he would take Anna as a patient.  She is in the process of sending her entire file to Dr. Leyland-Jones' office.  From there, she will book and appointment to drive down to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Anna is a devoted mother, friend, sister, spouse and daughter. The most important person in her universe is her 11 year old daughter, Camryn. She is a proud member of the Winnipeg Police Service, with 19 years service.  At only 43 years old, we are determined for another 43 wonderful years!

In 2004,  Anna ran the Ironman Triathalon in Penticton, BC, as a member of Winnipeg’s Cops for Cancer Team.  The team raised $870, 455 for cancer research.   Since then, Anna has volunteered at the local Winnipeg Police Service half-marathon which, since 2004, has raised $2 million for cancer research.  Who knew back then that the journey would come full circle, with Anna needing cancer treatment?

Thank you, friends and family, for donating to Anna’s breast cancer treatment journey.  

#AnnaStrong (after her favourite city, #BostonStrong)

Tara

Update on November 16, 2018:  Anna and I have been working with GoFundMe all week to set up the bank account for the funds to go into.  After 25 emails and 2 days of dealing with tech-support, we were able to make it work.  You will see Kim Koswin as the beneficiary.  Kim is Anna's common law spouse and will be driving Anna to the U.S.A. for her treatments with Dr. Leyland-Jones.  He has set up a bank account for the funds of this campaign so both he and Anna can pay for the medical treatment when they are in the United States.  

Tara





A video from the Oncology Centre: