Joanna James from Ilkley has launched an appeal to get potential life-extending treatment in Germany following her brain tumour diagnosis.
50 year-old Joanna, a jewellery sales manager, was on holiday last September when she suddenly lost the ability to speak and was taken straight to a local hospital, where CT and MRI scans revealed the devastating news.
Two weeks later, Joanna had urgent surgery at Leeds General Infirmary and then began six weeks of intensive radiotherapy treatment at Leeds Cancer Centre.
Joanna said:
"I was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma — an aggressive and life-limiting brain tumour. A diagnosis like this doesn’t just shake your world; it shatters it. One day you are planning the future, and the next you are being told your prognosis is 12–18 months.
"Since that day, I have undergone awake brain surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. I have faced each stage with determination and strength because I am not ready to stop fighting for my life.
"While I am still undergoing chemotherapy, there are no further treatment options available to me on the NHS beyond the current standard care.
"After extensive research and medical consultations, in March I will begin specialist immunotherapy treatment at IOZK, a clinic in Cologne, Germany. This treatment works by stimulating my immune system to recognise and target tumour cells. It is not a cure, but it offers hope — hope of more time and hope of preserving my quality of life.
"The full treatment programme, including travel and medical costs, is estimated at approximately £100,000."
Joanna has set up a JustGiving page to fund this treatment. With the support of Brainstrust, all donations will go directly towards Joanna's care. Any excess funds, along with Gift Aid, will be used to support others facing similar diagnoses.
She adds:
"I have been truly overwhelmed by the kindness of family and friends — and even people I have never met — who have asked how they can help. This page offers a way for those who wish to support me to do so, and I am sincerely grateful for every contribution, whatever the amount.
"Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for your kindness, your support, and for helping me continue this fight."
To donate please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/joannajames
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