I would like to begin by thanking you for taking the time to learn about Gabriella’s journey. Let me introduce myself and my family. I am April Matthews a single mother of three daughters: Gabriella (4), Alivia (10) and Lillian (11). We started down this path when Gabriella was just 18months old.
On March 8th, 2012 I found out my 18 month old daughter had Neuroblastoma cancer, the worst news a mother could receive. It was also the day of my middle daughter’s 8th birthday, a heart breaking day we will never forget. Sometimes we just don’t realize how our world can be turned upside down with a simple phone call. As you know there are good days, and bad days that challenge you as a parent; from the unknown of to the darkest part of the disease and to the decision that must be made for the treatment and not knowing what the outcome will be. Trying to maintain a routine for the whole family so the other children can keep their schedules and have the support that they need to understand what is happening to their younger sibling. Gabriella has gone through 6 cycles of chemo therapy and many scans and test. It has been a long up and down road to help her fight against cancer. My two oldest daughters have also had to miss some school because of Gabriella’s doctor appointments and with them being 45min away each way from Palmer, AK to Anchorage, AK , and my mom being the only person I have to support me makes this a very difficult journey without having any other family around. I am currently faced with financial difficulties much like the rest of the world. With not being able to go back to work in order to take care of Gabriella!
Over the last 1 ½ y I move Gabriella’s care to Seattle’s Children’s Hospital to seek a specialist for Nueroblastom cancer and to further her treatments. At this time it was decided by Gabriella’s Oncologist, Dr. Julie Park, Otolaryngology, Dr. Sanjay Parikh and I that we would watch Gabriella’s Cancer with MIBG Scans and MRI scan every 3 months due to the fact that the chemo therapy was not shrinking Gabriella’s tumor. Over a year the tumor grew half a cm. It is compressing her air way and also causing her to have sleep apnea. Gabriella’s doctors have recommended surgery. I also got a second opinion from Dr. LaQuaglia at MSKCC who suggested surgery as well.
Recently we went down for more scans and another sleep study. The tumor has grown a cm in each directions and her sleep apnea has gotten worse. At this point we have no other choice but to do this high risk surgery we have been trying to avoid. The tumor is in the area or possibly connected to her voice box, shoulder nerves, a main artery and compressing her air way. Gabriella’s team of specialist will not know exactly what they are faced with until they are performing this high risk surgery. If the tumor gets any bigger it could block her air way completely. She currently has to be on oxygen at night to help her sleep due to her sleep apnea and is awaiting surgery.
It is important for Gabriella’s to have her imitate family for support (her 2 sisters, Grandma and myself) with her during this time of uncertainty. We are raising funds for travel expenses, lodging and meals not covered by insurance and any unexpected financial situations that may arise while away from home.
Thank you for considering donating to my family in our time of need. If you would like more information on how Gabriella is doing or have any questions please email me at aprilouise1780@gmail.com.
We have set up an account at Wells Fargo: Gabriella Fight Against Neuroblastoma Cancer Acct# 2588006755
We are also asking for Alaska Airline mile Donations; Gabriella Matthews Millage #142304035
