THE family of a brave young woman from Kidderminster have set up another fundraising appeal as a last shot to save her life.
Megan Smith was 24 when she was diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer in 2019.
The cancer spread to her liver and lung and when doctors said in November 2020 that chemotherapy was no longer having an effect, Megan’s family set about raising £150,000 to get her to America to have a new type of cancer drug going through medical trials.
She started treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville last December, but it had to be put on hold when a scan uncovered 11 tumours on Megan’s brain.
Megan's brother, Peej Smith said: "Since being in America Megan’s cancer unfortunately spread to her brain. After having surgery and gamma knife radiotherapy the tumours decreased massively, and Megan is currently taking an alternative approach to shrink her tumours.
"Her cancer has started to respond to this. Recently her cancer markers in her blood has reduced which is an amazing sign."
A further £170,000 is needed for Megan to participate in a new clinical trial which is vital for her survival.
Megan, now 27, is living in San Diego with her parents and Peej after exhausting all options in the UK.
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Peej added: "Megan is due to start on a brand new clinical trial for which is a new personalised neo-antigen vaccine therapy which creates more T-Cells in her immune system, along with immunotherapy.
"This will hopefully target the cancer and shrink her tumours. The trial is being ran at UCLA under Dr. Weinberg. He is really positive of the treatment working.
"This really is Megan’s last chance at survival and with the recent results of the study she really has a good chance at responding to the treatment.
"This drug trial is vital for Megan’s survival, Megan is so strong and so inspirational to many.
"She deserves this chance at life more than anyone I know."
Back in the UK, a live music event is being held on August 29 at Kidderminster Town Hall to help fund cost for the clinical trial.
Named 'MegsFest', the night will see a variety of groups and singers performing, including local legend Blind Lemon.
Fifty per cent of the ticket sales will go towards the appeal.
To buy tickets visit kidderminstertownhall.ticketsolve.com/shows or to donate to the gofundme page, visit gofundme.com/f/help-27-year-olds-last-chance-at-life.
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