A Paisley nurse living with cancer at just 23 years old is trying to raise £50,000 for treatment that could add years to her young life.
Sarah McCrimmon has had a rare form of kidney cancer since she was only 13 years old but has now been given new hope. She has been invited for a clinical trial of an experimental treatment, but taking part costs tens of thousands of pounds.
A fundraiser was set up to help her meet the huge target and take part in the trial in the USA. It's hoped her cancer could be eradicated.
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Sarah, from the Potterhill area, works as a nursing auxiliary in a cardiology ward at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Sarah's 'devastated' colleague and friend Katrina Gallacher hailed her as 'such a nice girl'.
Katrina told the Paisley Daily Express, “She’s a good laugh, the life and soul of the party. She’s just such a nice girl and we’re all devastated that this has happened to her.”
Sarah recently had a tumour removed that was pressing onto her arteries and was unwell, but Katrina says she has. been “living life to the fullest” and does not seem like someone living with a terminal illness.
Katrina added: “She’s had five surgeries, but it keeps on coming back. She’s been a patient at the Beatson cancer hospital for the past ten years.
“They’ve tried everything they possibly can, but she found out a couple of months ago that there are now no other options available for her here and there’s nothing else the NHS can do for her. She was put into palliative care, but she’s recently been told that there’s a clinical trial in America that could help prolong her life.”
The full cost of the trial treatment is £120,000, but Sarah aiming to raise £50,000, saying the remaining portion will come from other funding sources. Katrina told the Paisley Daily Express, that as well as the online fundraiser, other fundraisers will take place to help Sarah reach her goal.
There are plans for a fundraising event at Abercorn Bowling Club on September 10 and raffles and other ideas may develop too. So far, £17,325 had been raised.
“We’re all going to do as much fundraising as we can to get her to America,” said Katrina.
Sarah expressed her thanks for the support offered to her.
She said: “It means the world from me and my family and friends. It’s so overwhelming and kind and I’m grateful for every donation and share. It’s a long way to go but I’m hoping and praying we get there and get the treatment.”
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