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My friend, Paul, is battling chordoma, an aggressive and resistant form of cancer that grows on the bones of the spine and skull. Paul is determined to beat it, and I know that he will, however, he needs our help. The cancer is very rare (about 20 cases diagnosed in Canada each year) and is difficult and expensive to treat.
Paul was diagnosed in June of this year during an operation to investigate a growth on his vertebra. In July, a team of outstanding surgeons at the Vancouver General Hospital removed a tumor that had consumed his entire L5 vertebra. They worked around his spine for 10 hours to contain the tumor, replace the vertebra with a spacer and fuse his spine with a plate and screws, then for another 5 hours surgeons worked to remove the tumor through his abdomen.
Paul has a great attitude and is working as hard as he can to recover and triumph. Fortunately, he has found outstanding care. Unfortunately it has mostly been away from home. This week he is travelling to the United States for proton beam therapy. This new radiation technology is critical to treat his cancer (it is the only option), but it is not yet available in Canada. Originally, doctors thought that Paul would need to travel to Boston for treatment; however, a new centre with an outstanding oncologist experienced in treating chordoma has just opened in Seattle. They have agreed to take on Paul’s case and are confident that he will be cancer free at the completion of the treatments. He is getting the best possible care and we know he will emerge stronger than ever. Even better chordoma grows from embryonic cells; if we can kill them now it won’t come back later.
Olivia, his wife and his two daughters have not lost their optimism and strength throughout this journey and have had tremendous support from their parents and family. They had been determined to do this on their own, however, the treatments became more extensive and the bills continued to mount, so they are now struggling. Olivia lost income in order to be with Paul through his difficult surgery and recovery in Vancouver. Paul’s lost income, their Vancouver expenses and their travel to Seattle have been tough, but now that Paul will be in Seattle for the rest of year, they are falling behind. Thankfully, BC medical covers the cost of radiation treatment, but they have significant expenses for accommodation, travel and incidental medical expenses. Olivia continues to work much more than full time and Paul is trying to do what work he can while in treatment. They are trying so hard and will find a way through, but I want to help them and I am asking you to join me.
In the past many people have asked Paul and Olivia if they could help and they have said no, but now they need us. I want them to get through this treatment without the strain of tremendous financial stress. They are almost there – if we can help them make it through the next few months, Paul will be cancer free and they can go into 2015 strong.
Please join me in helping them.
You can learn more about chordoma at www.chordomafoundation.org
You can follow Paul’s journey at www.mychordomajourney.com
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