Robin Danar Leukemia treatment fund

I'm Nic Harcourt and I'm raising funds for my friend Robin Danar as he faces cancer for the second time in two years.

(He was treated successfully for Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and lymph node in 2020/21)

Two weeks ago, a regular check up showed some problems with his white blood cell production. After follow up tests last week (bone marrow biopsy, etc.), Robin has been diagnosed with Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. Promyelocytes are immature white blood cells. In APL, these cells are overproduced and accumulate in the bone marrow. Signs, symptoms and complications of APL result from the overproduction of promyelocytes and the underproduction of healthy blood cells.

The bad news? It's aggressive as fuck, the good news? The treatments have a very positive success rate, although they're full on and have some potentially dangerous side effects, he will need to be monitored very closely.

For those of us who know Robin well, (to no-ones surprise) he's tackling it head on, and with a beyond positive attitude. He was admitted to hospital (UCLA Ronald Reagan) on Saturday 12/3 and has already begun induction therapy with All-trans retinoic acid. Beginning tomorrow (December 6) the serious stuff starts: a month of intravenous Arsenic Trioxide injection (ATO) and other chemotherapies, Anthracyclines, and Antimetabolites. As I mentioned, the treatments have a very positive success rate, the issue is the potential side effects, which is why Robin will be in hospital for at least a month, possibly two, for daily intravenous treatments while being closely monitored for potentially dangerous side effects.

Robin's attitude, together with the treatments, should lead to a positive outcome; but expenses will no doubt be significant. Robin hasn't been able to speak with his insurance people yet, (as this all moved very quickly last three days).

I'm writing at this time to ask you if you're able to make a donation and to share this fundraiser with your own friends and community.

Let's take this part of the equation off of his to do list and all send thoughts of remission and positive outcome as he takes on cancer again. I'll post updates as they become clear.

Thank you

Nic Harcourt

December 5 2022