Desperate plea to help mum diagnosed with terminal brain cancer

In February, shortly before lockdown, following a series of catatonic seizures, 39 year old, Lisa Leader, her 7 year old daughter Ava and partner Scott were rocked by the news when Lisa was given the diagnosis, being told she had less than two years to live.

Lisa, from the Huntingdon area was diagnosed with a grade IV multifocal Glioblastoma (GBM) Left occipital, left parietal and left thalamus, the most lethal of all brain cancers.

Following diagnosis Lisa has been through aggressive radio and chemotherapy and two surgeries, which unfortunately have not proved successful in battling teh condition, and it cannot be completely removed because of the risk of causing life changing problems.

The NHS will now only offer Lisa palliative care, but Lisa, Scott and Ava want to fight back, supported by the local community.

Lisa is looking to access a German clinic who specialize in immunotherapy cancer treatment. In contrast to chemotherapy, the focus of immunotherapy is the manufacture of a personalized vaccine from blood/tumor antigens which will strengthen the body’s immune system, helping it to identify and attack the cancer cells. The protocol starts at around £65,000 but with flights, accommodation, maintenance trips, they are looking at costs of at least £100,000 in the first year.

An online fundraising campaign has been started by Lisa’s parents, Jackie and Simon Wardropper.

In the campaign they said: “Lisa is only 39 and our granddaughter, Ava, is just 7 years old. We have never known such pain and terror.

“On August 28 Lisa had second surgery to remove as much as possible of the second enhancing tumour which continued to grow despite the aggressive treatment she had. It cannot be completely removed because of the risk of causing life changing neurological deficits. Without further treatment, this insidious disease will continue to spread through her brain, destroying healthy cells and the beautiful person we know. She is being really brave, but time is not on our side.”

The fundraising campaign has already raised nearly £30,000, but more is needed to help.

Jackie and Simon said: “It’s a big ask but sadly we cannot do this on our own. We know it is a particularly bad time with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic but if anyone feels they can help us raise the money to support Lisa’s fight for life, we would appreciate anything, no matter how large or small. Our much loved daughter has so much to live for. Her one wish is to see her daughter reach her teenage years. There are some long-term survivors of this devastating disease but no real understanding of why.

“We have to believe she will be one of them.”

To donate to help Lisa and her family, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lisa-fight-deadly-brain-cancer