An appeal has been launched to help fund potentially life-saving treatment for a Dublin mum who is battling cancer.
Claire Graham was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last year. Just three months later, her journey took an even more unexpected and challenging twist – her two-year-old son, Harley, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a form of cancer that affects the tissue in the eye.
The tot had to have his eye removed and replaced with a prosthesis; and while Claire battled her own illness, she devoted herself to Harley’s treatment and recovery.
According to a Just Giving page set up by Claire’s friend, Michele Trapiche, the loving mother was due to start radiotherapy at the end of last year, and this was due to signal the end of her treatment. However, matters took a turn for the worse when Claire began suffering from headaches.
After being referred for an MRI, Claire was dealt a massive blow – the cancer had spread to her brain. Then, at the beginning of 2017, she was informed that it had returned to her breast.
Claire is determined to beat the disease, and a course of drugs has been recommended – but there is a problem.
Michele explains: “Her only hope is a drug called Pembrolizumab and then Avastin. Unfortunately, Claire is at the mercy of a post code lottery, and where she lives in Dublin, Pembrolizumab isn’t available to her. She will have to pay for the drugs herself, and this will cost a staggering £85,000.”
Now, Michele is hoping to help Claire out by launching a fundraising campaign, in a bid to raise the money needed to potentially save her life.
“Claire and her family need your help. Please donate whatever you can. Nothing is too small,” she urges.
“All monies will be given to one of the medical teams helping her. If not enough money is raise to fund (or partially fund) her treatment, the monies will be given to Team Verrico, to help others battling triple negative breast cancer.”
Paying tribute to Claire, Michele describes her as ‘the strongest and bravest person I have ever known’.
“She deserves the very best chance at beating this awful disease,” she adds.
If you would like to find out more information, or donate to Claire’s cause, simply follow this link to her Just Giving page.
