Roxie Goes To Rome

I am one of 573 women in the world who has developed Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. I had already been diagnosed with breast cancer, so adding this rare lymphoma that was caused by the implant I had placed for reconstruction, just seemed like adding insult to injury. My world, which had already been turned upside down from having breast cancer, got even crazier. Because this disease is rare, none of the doctors in my area were prepared to diagnose and recommend the best treatment. This cancer had spread to my lymph nodes and I required evaluation and experimental treatment at the Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson Cancer center. I had to do a lot of research myself to determine where and how to get the best treatment and found that this disease is the subject of a significant amount of research and there are still a lot of unanswered questions. I have spent the past year undergoing endless testing and also educating other women on the risk of developing BIA-ALCL and how to recognize it early, which can lead to higher cure rates. I was honored to be invited to testify at the FDA for hearing on the safety of breast implants to try and raise awareness for this disease, for which I received a standing ovation.


Because of the work I have done to help other patients and also being one of the “lucky” 573 women who have developed this disease, I have been invited to the First World Summit on BIA-ALCL to be held in Rome in October. I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and speak with the physicians who are at the forefront of research to find a way and prevent and cure BIA-ALCL. I feel it is important for survivors of this disease to be represented and be sure that our voice is heard. 


Unfortunately, with significant medical expenses from the past year, and the need to travel to obtain the state of the art treatment, I cannot afford to make this trip without help of friends and family. So I ask that you consider making a donation to this page, you can’t imagine how grateful I will be and promise I will represent myself, my family, my friends, and my ALCL warrior sisters at this meeting proudly, to keep patients like me and patient safety at the forefront of this ever changing disease. 

Sincerely,
Roxane Vermeland