FOCUS & Barts charity; my rare renal cancer

Hello, my name is Georgia, if you don’t know me already!

 

 

I was unfortunately recently diagnosed with stage four Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Type 2, which is a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. My cancer was unnoticed and misdiagnosed for many months prior to my final diagnosis on the 11th of November 2021. Since then I have spent 2 weeks as an inpatient at the Cheltenham Oncology Unit, undergone two types of treatment and seen a specialist consultant in London. The reason for the speed of action since my diagnosis is due to the severity of my cancer. By the time I was diagnosed it had already spread through my kidneys, liver, lungs, lymph nodes and began affecting my bones.

My story is further documented on my social media (Tiktok & Instagram) platforms, any support over there is greatly appreciated by me!!

Prior to my diagnosis I was studying law at the University of Exeter. I loved my course and it’s what I’d always dreamed of studying. Due to my sudden change of circumstance I was forced to put my studies on hold for the rest of this academic year. I hope to be well enough to return to Exeter and continue studying in September; my treatment and care partly through these two charities is what’s helping me get there!

 

 

The aim of this fundraiser is so that I am able to donate to two charities which have come to mean an awful lot to me. At present there is no charity specifically working for the research and development of drugs needed for my type of cancer. My consultant in London told me himself that the research for PRCC is ‘disappointingly slow’. This is something which I hope will change in the not so distant future.

 

However, FOCUS charity is the charitable organisation linked to the oncology department of Gloucestershire hospitals. It’s donations go toward making the hospital and treatment rooms a nicer place for people like myself; it also supports patients and their families right from the point of diagnosis. As it’s located in the hospital which I frequent, I feel it’s only right I give something back.

The other charity to which this fundraiser will be directed is Barts charity. Barts charity is the charitable organisation for the hospital I also visit in London; St Bartholomew’s Hospital. Money donated here will go towards pioneering medical research within the hospital which may one day find the ideal drug combination for people with PRCC. My specialist consultant is based here and is a leading name in the world of renal cancer. Any money which can be raised to help him help me, means the world!

 

 

The money raised will be split between these two charities and sent with a letter explaining why I’ve chosen these charities. Any donations are really appreciated and thank you to every single person who wants to support me through my journey with cancer.

 

I would like to add that should I finally find a charity supporting the research of PRCC and other rare renal cancers, especially in young people, I may well decide to direct the money three ways. I hope that’s okay with everybody, I don’t want to appear at all dishonest with my intentions here!