There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a child fight for her life, knowing that her future depends on something her family cannot afford. đź’”
I am the pediatric oncologist treating Lily, a bright and creative 8-year-old girl whose life has been turned upside down by a devastating diagnosis. Lily has always been full of life, with a love for drawing, reading stories, and spending time with her little brother. But now, she spends her days in a hospital bed, battling familial medullary thyroid cancer (FMTC)—an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by a genetic mutation.
Lily’s condition is one of the rarest I’ve seen in my career. FMTC progresses rapidly and does not respond to standard chemotherapy treatments. Her cancer has already begun to spread, making every day more critical. Her only chance lies in a cutting-edge biological therapy called Vandetanib, a highly specialized drug that targets the pathways fueling her cancer. This treatment has shown remarkable success in cases like Lily’s, but it comes at an overwhelming cost.
The total expenses for Lily’s treatment include the cost of the drug, specialized medical care, and a medical flight to a world-class cancer center overseas that can administer the therapy. Altogether, the cost is $450,000—a sum that Lily’s family simply cannot afford. Her parents have already exhausted their savings, sold their car, and taken out loans to cover her initial treatments. They’ve sacrificed everything, yet it’s not enough.
I sit with Lily and her parents every day, witnessing the toll this is taking on them. Her mother recently confided in me, saying, “I’d give my own life if it meant saving hers, but we have nothing left to give.” Her father looks defeated, crushed by the thought of losing his little girl simply because they can’t afford the treatment she needs to survive.
Lily herself is a fighter, even in the face of such a terrible disease. Yesterday, she asked me, “Will this medicine make me feel better? Can I go home and draw again?” I told her we’re doing everything we can, but the truth is, we need help to make that happen. Without this treatment, her chances of survival are slim.
This is why I’m reaching out to you. Lily’s life depends on the kindness and generosity of people who can help make this treatment possible. Every donation, no matter the size, brings her closer to the care she needs. Every share of her story reaches someone who might be able to make a difference.
Time is running out. The cancer is spreading, and every moment matters. Please, if you’re reading this, don’t look away. Lily’s dreams of going home, playing with her brother, and drawing her favorite stories are slipping further out of reach. Your support could be the miracle her family so desperately needs.
Together, we can give Lily a chance to beat this disease and return to the life she loves—a life filled with laughter, creativity, and hope. Please, help us save her. Her future depends on all of us. 🙏💔
