Lisburn teen appeals for help to raise money for vital cancer treatment for her Nana
A Lisburn teenager is desperately trying to raise money to provide cancer treatment for her grandmother, who lives in the Philippines.
Freya Romero was delighted when her grandmother visited her in Lisburn last year to celebrate her 18th birthday.
Her ‘Nana’ was happy and healthy at the time but just a few weeks later, when she returned home to the Philippines, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer.
Unfortunately the specialist cancer treatment in the Philippines is not free of charge and the family are trying to raise money to prolong the life of their beloved grandmother.
"I've always been a ‘Nana's girl’,” said Freya, who has set up a GoFundMe page and is aiming to raise £4,500 for further treatment.
“Some of my happiest memories are with her, and the woman I am today is only because of her strength, faith, and compassion.
"She has spent her life caring for others, putting her family before herself, and making everyone around her feel loved.”
Now Freya, her family and friends, want to care for Nana and let her know she is very much loved as well.
"One of the hardest parts of this journey is knowing that there's very little I can do from so far away,” Freya continued.
"Nana is fighting this battle in the Philippines with only one of her three children by her side, as the rest of our family now live in Northern Ireland.
"The family home that was once filled with her children and grandchildren is now quieter, and I know she misses us dearly.
"It breaks my heart knowing I can't even sit beside her, hold her hand, or give her a hug when she needs it the most.”
Freya’s grandmother has already undergone extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy but treatment options have become limited and doctors are considering stopping any further treatment.
“Over the past year, Nana has endured countless hospital visits, operations, radio and chemo treatments, and unimaginable pain,” Freya explained.
"Her cancer is particularly aggressive, and doctors are now considering stopping her treatment because their treatment options are becoming limited.
"While we understand that there may not be a cure for Nana's cancer, there is an opportunity to give her access to more specialist care,” Freya continued.
"Doctors have advised that a more targeted treatment may be available in another city in the Philippines.”
Cancer Gene Sequencing is the family’s last attempt at treatment. It is carried out in Cebu in the Philippines and they are raising as much money as they can to give Nana a chance at having more time with her loved ones.
Donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-nana-fight-her-aggressive-stage-3-ovarian-cancer and every penny helps.
"We know that this treatment may not cure Nana's cancer, and we understand the reality of her diagnosis.
"However, we hope it can give her more time, more comfort, and more precious moments with the people she loves,” Freya added.
"Life can change in an instant, and all we are asking for is the chance for a little more time with someone we love so dearly.”