Alena S.
Age: 12 y. o.
Residence: Belarus
Diagnosis: myelodysplastic syndrome
Needs: treatment in Germany
Funds to raise: EUR 87,555
Alena’s medical history has begun in 2016. She began to complain of pain in her legs and was constantly getting sick. A diagnosis was made: stage 4 neuroblastoma with damage to the lymph nodes and skeletal bones. A very long path of treatment was completed: surgery, various combinations of chemotherapy, radioactive iodine therapy, bone marrow transplantation of her own cells, immunotherapy with two drugs, vaccine therapy. There was a remission, but after 3 years there was a relapse again. Thanks to treatment, she was lucky to go into remission again. Several months ago, the girl was hospitalized with high fever and chest pain. Alena was treated with antibiotics and antifungal drugs, but the fever persisted. After a bone marrow puncture, a new diagnosis was established – the myelodysplastic syndrome. As a result of the difficult treatment she has undergone, her bone marrow is not working properly. Alena constantly requires transfusions of red blood cells and platelets. She was prescribed appropriate treatment with all necessary medications. But her only chance for a full recovery is a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor. The parents have sent the medical history and test results to several clinics in Germany. The doctor opinion is unanimous: there is definitely a chance for recovery. A transplant can save the child. However, there is no possibility of such treatment in Belarus. The bill for treatment at the Greifswald clinic is EUR 417,582. Alena’s relatives have started a fundraiser and are doing everything possible to find the funds for their daughter’s treatment. At the moment, there are yet EUR 87,555 to collect.