Carrigan Nelson’s 5th Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
Carrigan Nelson, 22 of Portsmouth RI has been fighting Osteosarcoma, an aggressive pediatric bone cancer, since just after her 18th birthday. She has endured 5 years of intense chemotherapy and multiple surgeries including 3 major lung surgeries, 2 failed limb salvage surgeries and above the knee amputation of her left leg. She has fought through many complications including sepsis. She has had part of her lung removed as well as part of her diagram, a 1/3 of her pericardium and part of her phrenic nerve (which helps control breathing). Carrigan is not only a 5 time cancer warrior but she is also a pediatric cancer advocate and award winning vocalist. She uses her voice to spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of Osteosarcoma and to raise funding for community causes. Carrigan has lobbied twice in DC for more pediatric funding and has sat on several pediatric cancer non profit boards. She remains committed to her advocacy work throughout her never ending battle for her own life.
Carrigan’s disease has metastasized to both lungs. She is considered incurable and chemo resistant. Her most recent scans revealed not only progression of her disease in both lungs - but a large aggressive inoperable tumor in her right lung. She is awaiting results of additional scans to determine if her cancer has spread outside her lungs. Presently, her proposed treatment plan with consist of 8 days of high dose radiation to her lung tumor and participation in a 5 month long clinical trial in Boston where she will receive 3 chemotherapy drugs in an attempt to slow continued progression. She will require additional lung surgeries to remove the smaller nodules and will potentially be enrolled in a clinical trial in Seattle should the trial in Boston fail.
Even with the graciousness and generosity of so many - her 5 year battle with Osteosarcoma has depleted her family’s savings and caused financially instability. Carrigan’s mom has MS and is disabled and her self employed father, who provides their sole income, is only working part time as he continues to recover from a traumatic injury. They are in dire need of assistance to cover their travel expenses as well as medical and related costs associated with Carrigan’s continued fight. They also hope, should finances allow, to continue Carrigan’s bucket list when and if she is well enough at some point, to have moments where she can travel the US and spread awareness of Osteosarcoma.
Organizer and beneficiary
Hannah Nasser
Organizer
Portsmouth, RI
Paul Nelson
Beneficiary