Help Kate Fight Rare Bone Cancer!

Help Kate Fight Rare Bone Cancer!

Hi!

My name is Kate and I was living the life of a 24-year old until I was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer - Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma. Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, I was forced to leave my hometown in 2022 when the full-scale invasion of Russia turned my life upside down. I sought safety and a new beginning, trying to rebuild after losing so much. But in 2024, another battle found me—one I never could have prepared for.

In June 2024 I began experiencing pain and numbness in my arms, hands and shoulders. As the months passed and after countless visits to the GP asking for a referral for an MRI with no luck, the pain became unbearable. In December 2024 I planned to visit my grandfather in Kharkiv for Christmas planning to stay for only 4 days. These planned 4 days turned into 6 weeks filled with hospital visits, medical procedures and constant pain. I had an MRI done in Ukraine to check what the cause of this pain was. The results of the MRI showed a tumour in my neck. A surgical biopsy and histopathology was carried out and the diagnosis of Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma was given. This is a rare aggressive form of bone cancer, Osteosarcomas in the head and neck region account for approximately 1% or less of all head and neck cancers.

Since February 2025 I have been having Chemotherapy at the London Sarcoma Unit based at University College London Hospital with the aim to slow the growth of the tumour and kill the cancer cells to prepare the location for complex surgery…because in my case, surgery is not just an option, it’s my only hope for life.

Before I was able to complete my first cycle of Chemotherapy, my pain in my right arm returned and I was sent for a MRI by specialists. The results showed that the tumour was compressing my spinal cord against my spine and causing the pain. After speaking with my oncologist and neurosurgeon the decision was made to pause my Chemotherapy in order to carry out decompression surgery to ease this pain and lower the possibility of neurological damage that could lead to paralysis from the neck down. This surgery was successfully carried out on the 13th of March and I am currently recovering from this.

However, more importantly the NHS consultants broke the news to me that they view my case as incurable. I have been offered a treatment plan by the NHS that’s only aim is to use both Chemo and Radio therapy to slow down growth but not kill my cancer. The nature of radiotherapy means that surgery to remove the tumour will not be possible, something that was reiterated to us by our neurosurgeon.

Hearing this broke me. I have been in a state of shock since receiving this news, however I understand that I must not give up. I can’t give up cause I have only one life to live and I’m only 24. Currently I’m looking into different hospitals around Europe and in the US to get a second opinion on my condition.

Cancer is so expensive. Incredibly expensive even if you’re getting free treatment. Because of my condition, I had to leave my job. The job that I loved every single day. I’ve spent almost all of my savings and I’ve got to ask for financial help in order to get second opinions now.

I began this fundraiser because I am in a position where I must seek private medical care abroad and have to explore all methods of treatment. Private consultations are expensive, however I have no choice. I want to live and need to listen to all specialist advice that I can access in the little time I have before deciding on my next steps on how to save my life.

Your generosity will help cover costs of initial private consultations with medical specialists in this field as well as essential medical expenses, Every donation, big or small, brings me one step closer to Life. I want to live and the next round of treatment will determine how this next stage of my life will look. I must explore all forms of treatment available for Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma as I am not giving up in this fight.

Please consider donating—every bit helps. If you can’t donate, sharing this page will make a huge difference. I am deeply grateful for any support you can give. Thank you for being part of my fight. I will post updates regularly on how funds raised are being spent as well as showing how much these funds are making a huge difference so please do keep an eye on my journey and keep me in your thoughts as I will each and every one of you.

Thank you for reading,

Yours, Kateryna.