Sam's Brave Journey
Donation protected
My name is Kristy and together with my mum, Melanie we are on a mission to raise funds to help someone very close to our hearts.
The beautiful Samantha Hudson discovered her first brain tumor at the age of 23. Sam was given 5 years to live, that was 17 years ago. After winning that fight the second tumor appeared 8 years later, again the doctors gave her 5 years to live. This second battle was even tougher than the first which included surgery and radiation therapy. On the 2nd of June last year Sam underwent surgery for a third and more aggressive tumor. The diagnoses given was glioblastoma multiforme stage 4. She underwent treatment of radiation therapy and chemotherapy once again and however was given an 18 month life expectancy. Her progress was steady wth no changes at her 3 monthly MRI's, however in April this year it seemed that Sam had more fighting to do as he chemo treatment had not been successful, with a brand new growth appearing at about 1.5cm in size. In early May, Sam required radiation surgery. On Monday of last week the latest MRI discovered that the tumor is now 2.3cm in size. The doctors are testing further to ascertain whether the increased size is necrosis (dead brain tissue) or new tumor cells. The radiation surgery has caused a bit of swelling/damage and there has been some loss of function on her right side which is yet to be confirmed permanent or temporary. She is constantly fatigued due to the highest levels of radiation allowed for any human body to endure. Both the radiation surgeon at the Epworth hospital and Sam's long time oncologist have mentioned a trial drug that will cost $20,000. Although we are hopeful that Sam wont be needing this treatment, we want to be prepared. If we are blessed, and the drug isn't required, the money will go towards her rehabilitation and living life without pain and struggle. The plan will be to purchase a Pilates machine for her home and a gym membership to help her become strong again. It will also be used for her scripts and travel expenses for her many trips to the hospital. We love Sam with all of our heart and wish for her to live an amazing life of happiness for many years together with all of us, her friends and family xx
The beautiful Samantha Hudson discovered her first brain tumor at the age of 23. Sam was given 5 years to live, that was 17 years ago. After winning that fight the second tumor appeared 8 years later, again the doctors gave her 5 years to live. This second battle was even tougher than the first which included surgery and radiation therapy. On the 2nd of June last year Sam underwent surgery for a third and more aggressive tumor. The diagnoses given was glioblastoma multiforme stage 4. She underwent treatment of radiation therapy and chemotherapy once again and however was given an 18 month life expectancy. Her progress was steady wth no changes at her 3 monthly MRI's, however in April this year it seemed that Sam had more fighting to do as he chemo treatment had not been successful, with a brand new growth appearing at about 1.5cm in size. In early May, Sam required radiation surgery. On Monday of last week the latest MRI discovered that the tumor is now 2.3cm in size. The doctors are testing further to ascertain whether the increased size is necrosis (dead brain tissue) or new tumor cells. The radiation surgery has caused a bit of swelling/damage and there has been some loss of function on her right side which is yet to be confirmed permanent or temporary. She is constantly fatigued due to the highest levels of radiation allowed for any human body to endure. Both the radiation surgeon at the Epworth hospital and Sam's long time oncologist have mentioned a trial drug that will cost $20,000. Although we are hopeful that Sam wont be needing this treatment, we want to be prepared. If we are blessed, and the drug isn't required, the money will go towards her rehabilitation and living life without pain and struggle. The plan will be to purchase a Pilates machine for her home and a gym membership to help her become strong again. It will also be used for her scripts and travel expenses for her many trips to the hospital. We love Sam with all of our heart and wish for her to live an amazing life of happiness for many years together with all of us, her friends and family xx
Organizer
Kristy Lee
Organizer
Somerville VIC
