The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Young mum’s desperate bid to beat terminal cancer diagnosis
Family launch fundraising campaign to pay for possible life-saving treatment
A mum diagnosed with terminal brain cancer is fundraising in a bid to access a potentially life-saving treatment.
In February, shortly before lockdown, following a series of catatonic seizures, 39-yearold, Lisa Leader, her sevenyear-old daughter Ava and partner Scott were rocked by the news when Lisa was given the diagnosis, being told she hadless than twoyears to live.
Lisa, from the Huntingdon area, was diagnosed with a grade IV multifocal Glioblastoma (GBM) Left occipital, leftparietal andleftthalamus, themostlethalofallbraincancers.
Following diagnosis Lisa has been through aggressive radio and chemotherapy and two surgeries, which unfortunately have not proved successful in battling the condition, and it cannot be completely removed because of the risk of causing life changing problems.
The NHS will now only offer Lisa palliative care, but Lisa, Scott and Ava want to fight back, supported by the local community.
Lisa is looking to access a German clinic who specialize in immunotherapy cancer treatment. The protocol starts at around £65,000 but with flights, accommodation, maintenance trips, they are looking at costs of at least £100,000 in the first year.
An online f undraising campaign has been started by Lisa’s parents, Jackie and Simon Wardropper.
In the campaign they said: “Lisa is only 39 andourgranddaughter, Ava, is just seven years old. We have never known such pain and terror.
“On August 28 Lisa had second surgery to remove as muchaspossibleofthesecond enhancingtumourwhichcontinued to grow despite the aggressive treatment she had.
“It cannot be completely removed because of the risk ofcausinglifechangingneurological deficits. Without further treatment, this insidious diseasewillcontinuetospread throughherbrain, destroying healthy cells andthebeautiful person we know. She is being really brave, but time is not on our side.”
Thefundraising campaign has already raised nearly £30,000, but more is needed to help.
Jackie andSimonsaid:“It’s a big ask but sadly we cannot do this on our own.
“We know it is a particularly bad time with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic but if anyone feels they can help us raise the money to support Lisa’s fight for life, we wouldappreciateanything, no matter how large or small.
“Ourmuch-loved daughter has so much to live for.
“Her one wish is to see her daughter reach her teenage years.
“Therearesomelong-term survivors of this devastating disease but no real understanding of why.
“Wehavetobelieveshewill be one of them.”
To donate to help Lisa and her family, visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/help-lisafight-deadly-brain-cancer