Support Penelope's Fight Against Stage 4 HCC
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Help 17-Year-Old Penelope Horner Fight Stage 4 Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Our Story
In 2018, at just 11 years old, Penelope first battled and overcame Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) through surgery. However, in August 2024, our world shattered when we learned that this aggressive form of liver cancer had returned as Stage 4 HCC, the most advanced stage of the disease.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer. What makes Penelope's case particularly rare and challenging is her young age and the aggressive nature of the cancer's return.
Stage 4 HCC means the cancer has mestacized (spread) beyond the liver to other parts of her body, including her lungs and lymph nodes, making treatment more complex.
In April 2024, Penelope started experiencing unusual weakness. Medical tests soon revealed severe anemia, with her blood counts at dangerously low levels (5, compared to the normal level of 11). Despite receiving blood transfusions and working with specialists from April through July, answers remained unknown.
On August 15th, Penelope experienced severe pain leading to an emergency room visit, where a CT scan discovered heartbreaking news: her HCC had aggressively returned. The cancer now surrounds an artery in her liver, making surgery impossible - a condition known as unresectable HCC. Additionally, she has swollen lymph nodes throughout her body and metastatic spots in her lungs, confirming the Stage 4 diagnosis.
Current Situation
Since August, Penelope has shown incredible resilience through intensive chemotherapy treatments. Known for her beautiful long hair, she's faced the physical challenges of treatment with remarkable strength - even as she lost all her hair and her weight dropped to just 83 pounds.
This advanced stage requires the combination of different treatment plans to target both the primary liver tumor as well as the cancer that has spread to other areas. After the first round of treatment showed neither growth nor shrinkage in November's scans, her doctors have revised her plan to include additional medications. While we remain hopeful this new approach will prove more effective, we must also be prepared for more difficult decisions ahead, including hospice care.
Chris stays home with Penelope, providing the constant care and support she needs through the intense side effects of treatment such as fatigue, nausea, and the physical toll of fighting this aggressive cancer. Amanda continues to work full-time to maintain the family's insurance and income, and although her employer has graciously given her the option to work from home, with Penelope's weakened condition and significant weight loss, having both parents' undivided attention is incredibly important. The toll this kind of diagnosis takes on parents is incredible as well. Being able to rest will help them continue to fight this battle while spending precious time together as a family.
How Your Support Will Help
While our family is fortunate that Penelope has insurance coverage for her medical treatments, there are numerous additional expenses that insurance doesn't cover. Your donations will help with:
- Lost income support to allow Amanda to take extended time off work to be with her daughter, complementing Chris's full-time care
- Transportation to and from frequent medical appointments and specialized treatment centers
- Daily living expenses for the family, as they're currently relying on a single income
- Specialized nutritional supplements and dietary needs to help combat weight loss and maintain strength
- Creating meaningful experiences and fulfilling some of Penelope's wishes during this critical time
- Additional comfort items not covered by insurance
- Emergency expenses that may arise
- Support for activities that bring Penelope joy and comfort
- Accommodations near treatment centers when needed
Fundraising Goal: $50,000
This goal takes into account:
- Income supplement to allow Amanda to take necessary time off work without financial strain
- Support for the family's daily needs while operating on a single income
- Transportation and living expenses, including potential travel to specialized treatment centers
- Specialized nutrition and care needs
- Support for creating special memories and experiences for Penelope
- Emergency fund for unexpected needs
Your generosity will help ease the financial burden on Chris and Amanda, allowing them to focus on what matters most.
A Message of Hope and Gratitude
Every donation brings hope and support to Penelope and our whole family. Stage 4 HCC is an incredibly brutal diagnosis, but Penelope faces each day with determination and grace that leaves us in awe.
The pain of watching a child battle such a serious illness is beyond description. But we refuse to lose hope. Our faith in God sustains us through these difficult days, and we find strength in knowing we're not alone. With your help and prayers, we can give Penelope and her parents the support they desperately need right now. Every contribution, no matter the size, means the world to our family.
Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and generosity. Your support means everything to Penelope, Chris, Amanda, and our entire family. God Bless.
Organizer
Hope McDowell
Organizer
Edmond, OK