27-Year-Old Woman with Rare Cancer Receives Over $133,000 After Viral Fundraiser

A 27-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia raised more than £100,000 (about $133,000) through a viral fundraiser to help pay for a second stem cell transplant; she thanked donors and expects the procedure in about four weeks.

A 27-year-old woman in England whose rare blood cancer relapsed has raised emergency funds after a video about her need for a second stem cell transplant went viral. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at 25 and has received chemotherapy, immunotherapy and a prior stem cell transplant. Her consultant said the National Health Service does not routinely fund a second transplant if relapse occurs within 12 months, and an individual request was made to NHS England. Her online fundraising campaign reached its initial £100,000 goal almost overnight after the video was widely shared. Key facts: - The patient was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 25 and has undergone chemotherapy, immunotherapy and one stem cell transplant. - Her consultant reported that NHS guidance does not routinely fund a second transplant within 12 months of relapse; an individual funding request was submitted to NHS England. - A video update that included a link to her fundraiser received widespread attention and helped her exceed the £100,000 fundraising goal, with donations continuing beyond that amount. - Hospital staff have begun preparations after the funds were shown to clinicians, her father has provided blood as a potential donor, and the second transplant is expected in about four weeks. Summary: Her consultant told her that NHS policy does not routinely cover a second transplant within 12 months of relapse, and NHS representatives said they are committed to ensuring access to innovative cancer treatments. With the public donations in place, clinicians have begun preparations and a potential donor match from a family member is being pursued. The next scheduled medical step is a second stem cell transplant, expected in roughly four weeks.