An Airdrie family has launched a fundraising campaign to enable Brooke Kajdy, a 23-year-old mother, to participate in a potentially life-saving drug trial in the United States for stage 4 B-cell lymphoma. Diagnosed in June of last year while pregnant, Kajdy's cancer has not responded to conventional treatments, making clinical trials in the U.S. her best hope.
Kajdy initially experienced symptoms such as knee pain and gum swelling, which were initially dismissed as pregnancy-related. However, after multiple visits to doctors and emergency rooms, she was diagnosed with stage 4 B-cell lymphoma at 20 weeks into her pregnancy. Stage 4 lymphoma indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lymphatic system to other organs.
Faced with a challenging situation, Kajdy chose to continue her pregnancy while undergoing chemotherapy. She gave birth via C-section at 32 weeks, after which she continued with higher-dose chemotherapy, chemoradiation, and immunotherapies. Unfortunately, none of these treatments have resulted in a complete response.
The High Cost of Hope
With standard treatment options exhausted, Kajdy's family is now focusing on clinical trials in the U.S. However, these trials come with a hefty price tag. While the pharmaceutical companies typically cover the cost of the treatments themselves, the family is responsible for covering all other expenses, including hospital stays, doctor's fees, and tests. The total cost is estimated to be around $500,000.
To help offset these costs, the family has started a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised around $50,000. The outpouring of support from strangers, old friends, and community members has been overwhelming, providing emotional support during this difficult time.
The Urgency of the Situation
Kajdy's story highlights the challenges faced by individuals with advanced cancers who have exhausted standard treatment options. Clinical trials offer a potential lifeline, but the financial burden can be significant, particularly when treatment is sought outside of one's home country. The family remains hopeful that they can raise the necessary funds to enable Kajdy to participate in a clinical trial and have a chance to live a long and healthy life with her family.
