Kate wants to grow old

Hi, I'm Jake Malseed, 29 years old, and I'm trying to raise money for my girlfriend Kate Henman. 

This is her story:
In 2016, soon after Kate turned 21, she was diagnosed with stage 3C low grade serous ovarian cancer. 

Later that year, she had "debulking" surgery - which is a 12 hour procedure where they cut as much of the cancer out as possible. During the surgery, she had to have a hysterectomy, part of her bowel removed, and her spleen totally removed.
She also underwent chemotherapy and had a stoma bag put on, which was later reversed.

After Kate's recovery from surgery and chemo in 2016, things were looking up as scans showed the cancer had been removed. For a short while, Kate was cancer free. 

But a year later it was back. 

Throughout 2017 - 2019 Kate received hormone medication to try slow the growth. 

But the type of cancer Kate has is rare.  This means there aren't many treatments that are available for her. And the treatments that are available, don't show any conclusive evidence that they will actually help Kates type of cancer. There just hasn't been enough studies to show any promising evidence. 

For a really long time, all that she's been able to do is have scan after scan and watch it grow.

In 2020, Kate was finally offered to go on a trial "Cart T Cell Therapy". As you can imagine, doctors and Kate were very excited for this new hope of a bright future for Kate.

But the treatment was ultimately unsuccessful. 

Another trial recently became available, along with another burst of hope. But unfortunately, after completing the required physical tests, they found Kate to be ineligible for the trial because her heart isn't strong enough, and she has fluid around her lungs from the cancer. 

What's available now: 
Treatment is accessible, but it is self-funded. And just like the rest, there is also no evidence to show that it truly works for her type of cancer. 
Treatments are expensive, one we have researched ourself  and spoke with Kate's doctors about is $25,000 per round, and the amount of treatment she gets depends on if the treatment is working or not. This is a huge financial burden for us.

Kate has to take medication every single day for her cancer and her missing spleen.
On a daily basis, she suffers with bowel problems and vomiting; she struggles to eat a lot of the time, she gets really tired really easily, and she's often in debilitating pain. 

Having money available will open up Kates world to opportunities of living her life in a way where she can feel comfortable, and not have to feel like she is putting her self out of pocket by wanting to get something as simple as a hair cut,  or medication for pain relief that is expensive.

The only money Kate receives is a disability pension from the government because she is unable to work. Although this helps, it is barely enough to cover the cost of living. 

We want Kate to live a life just like you and I. One where financial burden doesn't hold her back from freedom to dream of a normal life... things like enjoying a family holiday or even a massage every now and then. 
One where she can afford to live through this horrible illness and not struggle just to put food on the table. 

For Kate, a little could go a long way. 

We're grateful that a platform like this even exists, and if you can help her by donating, our gratitude extends beyond what words can express. 

Kate just wants to grow old.