A 30-year-old Launceston mother with incurable stomach cancer is racing to raise $200,000 for a treatment in Germany she hopes could offer a lifeline.
Gemma McDonald-Pyers was diagnosed late last year after months of pain that doctors initially put down to stomach ulcers or reflux.
“I could feel something growing in my stomach,” she told Pulse.
“My stomach was rock hard.”
An ultrasound led to an emergency admission at Launceston General Hospital, then a transfer to Hobart for surgery to remove a 15-centimetre mass and her ovaries.
McDonald-Pyers underwent two operations and was eventually diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of gastric cancer.
“She’s just said, ‘Look, you… We’ve done all the genetic testing and stuff, like, there’s nothing to say that it’s in your genes or anything, like, I think you’re just a really unlucky person,'” she said of her oncologist.
Her current chemotherapy is keeping the cancer stable, but doctors say it will eventually stop working and the only options after that are clinical trials.
A private oncology hospital in Germany offers personalised treatments, including CAR T-cell therapy, which McDonald-Pyers says is not available for her cancer type in Australia.
The first round costs $200,000, with each subsequent visit another $80,000.
McDonald-Pyers learned about the German clinic through Port Sorell woman Lauren Rayner, who underwent treatment there and is now in full remission.
The pair now speak regularly and support each other through their cancer journeys.
“She’s been over there, she’s been three times now,” McDonald-Pyers said.
“She’s had really great success and she is now in full remission.”
A GoFundMe set up by friends and workmates has raised around $32,000 so far, with a target of $200,000 initially to get her to Germany for the first treatment.
Fundraising events, including raffles and a vineyard gathering, are also being planned.
McDonald-Pyers, who has a seven-year-old son and seven year-old stepson, said she is determined to pursue every option available.
“I don’t believe that this is the end for me,” she said.
“I believe we’re gonna find something or we’re gonna get to Germany and it’s gonna work.”
“I just have my hopes up. I’m trying to stay really positive.”
To donate, visit the GoFundMe page.
