A Tsawwassen family is hoping to raise enough money to help cover an experimental cancer treatment in a last-ditch effort to give 18-year-old Kyle McConkey a chance at survival.
After a two-year battle with leukemia, the teen was recently told that he likely has just weeks left to live. The family is hoping an experimental treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital will help save Kyle’s life.
However, it’s not insured and comes in at a cost of $250,000.
A crowdfunding page has been set up and the donations are quickly adding up.
Kyle was first diagnosed with the disease in July of 2012. He fell ill during a family camping trip and was taken to a nearby hospital. He was soon diagnosed with hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was the day before his 16th birthday.
After chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant from younger brother Keegan, followed by several months in hospital, the cancer was in remission and life began to return to normal for the family.
“We were just beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” mom Joanne McConkey said.
The cancer returned earlier this year and was not responding to treatment. After a second transplant involving stem cells failed last month, the family was told Kyle has just weeks left.
With no real options left, Ross McConkey was contacted by the mother of a young leukemia sufferer who has now been cancer-free for 18 months after the Seattle experimental therapy.
The treatment uses the body’s own immune system to battle leukemia; and while it is experimental, the family is out of options.
The family is prepared to sell their house in Tsawwassen to help pay for the treatment, however, people are stepping up to help and the fundraising page was at more than $135,000 as of Monday afternoon.
“Kyle’s drive to live is stronger than anything I’ve ever seen,” said Ross McConkey.
“It’s a risky thing to endure, but he’s willing to take the chance.”
Kyle is currently at B.C. Children’s Hospital but hopes to check into Seattle Children’s Hospital on Dec. 10 to begin treatment.
“I’m so proud of him,” said his father. “We’re going to try everything. Just weeks ago, we thought there was no hope.”
-with files from the Province
