Sadie's Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
It is with my heart in my hands that I start this gofundme page. This is not a position I ever thought our family would be in. However, on July 17th our entire world changed. Our beautiful, vibrant, young daughter, Sadie, was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in her lungs, liver and spleen. There are numerous tumors in both sides of her neck, chest and diaphragm. The only place it has not spread to yet is her bones.
The Doctors at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic recommended the highest dose, most aggressive chemotherapy with potential follow up of radiation and stem cell transplant. Along with the obvious short-term side effects of chemo, like hair loss and nausea, Sadie will be at high risk of long-term side effects including infertility, permanent heart damage, lung disease and secondary cancer. The average age of a cancer patient is 66 years old and oncology in Canada is design to provide an additional 10-20 years of life. Sadie is only 19 years old. She just finished her first year of university at UBCO. She should have an additional 60+ years of life to enjoy, not 10-20. She should be able to have a family, a career, an active life without the shadow of cancer following her.
We have researched international treatment options and discussed these options with our doctors here. These clinics offer integrative cancer treatments with low-dose, targeted chemotherapy in order to reduce the long-term health risks associated with the conventional chemotherapy treatments offered in Canada. The prognosis with these treatments is 85% and will hopefully allow her to enjoy a long life with no more risk of infertility, heart or lung disease, and cancer than any other healthy young person. Unfortunately these treatments are not covered by Alberta Health Care. We are raising funds to cover the cost of these treatments as well as the travel and living costs to attend the clinic in Mexico and Sadie's ongoing care upon return to Canada. We would expect to drive to Mexico within the next week so treatments can start as soon as possible. We are personally funding the first 3 weeks of treatment and are hoping to raise enough funds to stay for the additional 3 treatment weeks recommended by the doctors. We chose Mexico over comparable treatment centers in Europe and Asia in order to avoid air travel and the risks that poses due to possible Covid-19 exposure. Sadie's immune system would not be able to handle a Covid infection.
Sadie's Mom, Melanie, will accompany her to the clinic while her Dad, Garrett, will stay home to support her brothers - Garrisen, 22 and Jace, 15 - in trying to maintain a small sense of normalcy.
Follow Sadie's progress on Melanie's blog:
Sadies Fight Against Cancer
We would just like to say thank you in advance for all support, positive thoughts and prayers.
The Doctors at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic recommended the highest dose, most aggressive chemotherapy with potential follow up of radiation and stem cell transplant. Along with the obvious short-term side effects of chemo, like hair loss and nausea, Sadie will be at high risk of long-term side effects including infertility, permanent heart damage, lung disease and secondary cancer. The average age of a cancer patient is 66 years old and oncology in Canada is design to provide an additional 10-20 years of life. Sadie is only 19 years old. She just finished her first year of university at UBCO. She should have an additional 60+ years of life to enjoy, not 10-20. She should be able to have a family, a career, an active life without the shadow of cancer following her.
We have researched international treatment options and discussed these options with our doctors here. These clinics offer integrative cancer treatments with low-dose, targeted chemotherapy in order to reduce the long-term health risks associated with the conventional chemotherapy treatments offered in Canada. The prognosis with these treatments is 85% and will hopefully allow her to enjoy a long life with no more risk of infertility, heart or lung disease, and cancer than any other healthy young person. Unfortunately these treatments are not covered by Alberta Health Care. We are raising funds to cover the cost of these treatments as well as the travel and living costs to attend the clinic in Mexico and Sadie's ongoing care upon return to Canada. We would expect to drive to Mexico within the next week so treatments can start as soon as possible. We are personally funding the first 3 weeks of treatment and are hoping to raise enough funds to stay for the additional 3 treatment weeks recommended by the doctors. We chose Mexico over comparable treatment centers in Europe and Asia in order to avoid air travel and the risks that poses due to possible Covid-19 exposure. Sadie's immune system would not be able to handle a Covid infection.
Sadie's Mom, Melanie, will accompany her to the clinic while her Dad, Garrett, will stay home to support her brothers - Garrisen, 22 and Jace, 15 - in trying to maintain a small sense of normalcy.
Follow Sadie's progress on Melanie's blog:
Sadies Fight Against Cancer
We would just like to say thank you in advance for all support, positive thoughts and prayers.
Fundraising team (5)
Melanie Robertson Litoski
Organizer
Airdrie, AB
Sadie Litoski
Team member
Korri Robertson
Team member
Michelle Dery
Team member
Nicole Cook
Team member