Please Give to Sydney 12-year-old with Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer Fund

The family of a 12 year old Sydney boy who are fundraising so he can access an expensive cancer drug have said they are "incredibly embarrassed" to have to rely on the goodness of Australians to complete their son's treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Following two months of intensive chemotherapy, Angus successfully beat the Hodgkin Lymphoma in his neck into remission.

February, the family's fears came to fruition when the cancer returned in Angus' neck and abdomen.

The treatment was more intense, chemotherapy then radiotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant.

The drug brentuximab can reduce the chances of another relapse by 40 to 50 percent.
However, the cost of the drug is $11,000 per dose and Angus will need 16 treatments, the total cost coming to $186,000. Unfortunately, for Angus, the drug is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme as an appropriate treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, due to insufficient data in Australia!

Founded is the charity Rare Cancers Australia after identifying a gap in support for patients who suffer from less common cancers, have set up a special fundraising website called "Sick or Treat" on Toby's behalf, where fully tax deductible donations can be made.

Rare Cancers Australia and the pharmaceutical company behind brentuximab have been able to subsidise the cost of the drug to $100,000, with $32,000 already raised on Angus' behalf.

Donations to help Angus gain access to brentuximab can be made via the Rare Cancers Australia Sick or Treat website.