A HEARTBROKEN family from Kenilworth is desperately appealing for help to give a loving mum her only chance for survival.
Julie McNeill has been battling leukaemia – a type of blood cancer – on and off for over three years amid a string of family tragedies.
The mum-of-three was first diagnosed with the illness in 2016 before six months of intensive chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant.
Sadly during her treatment, the 48-year-old lost her mum who was also battling the disease.
Julie, who works eight hours a week in her job as a medical secretary, said: “It was something I do not wish my children to experience at such a young age. The death of my mum also left me responsible for my brother with severe special needs.”
She was finally declared cancer-free following the transplant which used blood cells from a donor in Germany.
But in 2018 a blood test showed the leukaemia had returned and mutated into a rare form.
Further treatment including more donated stem cells and immunotherapy drugs failed to rid her of the cancer.
And just when it seemed things could not get worse, Julie’s husband Chris suffered a stroke.
Thankfully he made a good recovery but was forced to close his business due to the stress of long hours alongside caring for Julie. He fortunately managed to find a job which allowed him regular hours and more time with his wife and family.
Julie’s aunt Geraldine said: “Chris and Julie are a very strong, hardworking and loving family and it is heartbreaking to see them having to go through Julie’s diagnosis, treatment and everything life has thrown at them since.
“It’s greatly upsetting that their future, at the moment, is uncertain and we just want to see Julie get the treatment that may get her into remission.
“They make such effort to make memories for their children and they don’t complain, they just carry on and never give up. We as a family don’t intend giving up either, we want to give Julie the best chance of a future with her husband and family.”
Julie’s last chance is an immunotherapy drug called Dasatinib unavailable through the NHS. The cost for a 12 month treatment plan is £36,600.
She added: “I am not the type to ask for help, certainly not for money, I am asking for my children to keep their mum a husband, to keep his wife, and a brother to keep his sister.
“We would be so very grateful in any way, for your donations, no matter how small to help us achieve our target.”
So far over £4,300 has been raised – enough for a month’s worth of treatment.
Visit www.justgiving.com and search Julie McNeill to help the family reach their goal.
