Help Vahe Access Life-Saving Treatment for Bile Duct Cancer

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

Our names are Armen and Hago Vanayan and we are reaching out for your help for our little brother, Vahe Vanayan, age 45, who is battling bile duct cancer, also known as Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Despite living an active, healthy lifestyle he contracted this rare and aggressive cancer that is typically found in individuals over 70, making this diagnosis particularly shocking for our family.

Our Journey So Far

It all began in January 2024 when Vahe injured himself at the gym, leading his doctor to order an ultrasound of his abdomen. To our horror, the ultrasound revealed many tumors, including a large one on his liver. A subsequent CT scan confirmed tumors in his lungs and pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in his lungs). After extensive testing, Vahe was diagnosed with bile duct cancer.

The first line of defense involved a rigorous 9-cycle treatment of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. For six grueling months, the treatments kept him alive but did not change the progression of the cancer. Unfortunately, he has become "chemo resistant," and he is now experiencing ascites, a concerning sign that Vahe’s condition is worsening.

A Glimmer of Hope

Vahe’s oncologist recently informed us about a drug called Enhertu, which has shown remarkable results for patients with HER2+ DNA expression, primarily in breast cancer. Despite his rare diagnosis, Vahe's cancer also expresses this DNA marker, and his oncologist believes this medication could work for him. Unfortunately, in Canada, Enhertu is only approved for breast cancer treatment, and OHIP does not cover it.

The cost for one 3-week treatment of Enhertu is substantial. With the help of his oncology team and some financial support from family, we have managed to cover a few treatments. While it's still to early to tell if the cancer will go into remission, after two treatments we’re seeing great results. He feels better, has energy, has seen positive results through blood tests and is taking the treatment like a champ.

Why We Need Your Help

We are reaching out to raise $140,000 to help cover the costs of this vital medication for the coming year. Vahe is a devoted husband and father to three children, ages 9, 12 and 19, who need him in their lives. Tragically, both of Vahe’s parents have passed away, leaving him with less support than many others in similar situations. This is his last and only hope for extending his time with his children and watching them grow. Every dollar counts, and your support can help make a significant difference in his battle against this cancer.

How You Can Help

Please consider donating to this campaign, and if you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this page within your network can also make a tremendous impact. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us during this incredibly challenging time.

Thank You

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for your support, love, and compassion. Together, we can give Vahe the chance to fight this battle and cherish more moments with his family.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Armen and Hago Vanayan