Brian's Lifesaving Treatment Fund

In July 2016, at only 28 years old, our brother Brian Slattery was diagnosed with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Since the diagnosis Brian has been nothing less than a superhero in his battle with this dreadful disease. His positive attitude and wonderful sense of humour has carried him through the most heartbreaking of days - somehow even managing to make it easier for those around him come to terms with his diagnosis.

Brian spent the Summer having radiation and chemotherapy  followed by a bowel resection surgery to remove the tumour. The surgery went well and the prognosis seemed positive. We were so glad to see the back of 2016. 

However, early this year Brian began to show signs that the cancer had returned. We soon learned that the cancer had spread to other areas of his body such as close to the spine, and the liver. Brian is now receiving chemotherapy. However, his Oncology Consultant has informed us that this chemotherapy is the last resort and will not actually make Brian better - but will perhaps give him some more time in this horrendous battle. With such little hope, Brian is doing his utmost to stay positive. 

The Consultant told us that there is one drug available (but not yet approved by the HSE in Ireland) which is optimal for Brian's survival. This drug is called Pembrolizumab. Unfortunately, the drug trial for treatment of rectal cancer using this drug has just closed.  The outcome from the research has been exceptionally promising in rectal cancer and it would be very beneficial to Brian's full recovery from Cancer. 
 
Access to this drug could cost Brian anywhere in the region of €70k - €140k plus, depending on the length of treatment required.  Therefore, it is with great urgency that we appeal to you to make a donation towards Brian's recovery. He needs this drug NOW. 

Brian's situation is a unique and individual case given his age and otherwise good health. It has shocked the doctors and nurses that the cancer returned so quickly and so aggressively. We are a very close knit family and this news has devastated us - we are living a nightmare everyday. This is the only hope we have to save Brian. We love our brother so much and it is frightening to think that we must put a cost on Brian's life. With your help, Brian might just have a chance at the future he deserves.

It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that we accept any donation you make. In the event that we raise a surplus or if for some reason this fundraiser is deemed no longer necessary, we can assure you that all donations will go to the Irish Cancer Society. 

Thanking you in advance, 

Yours faithfully, 

Roisin, Brendan and Lorna.