Fundraiser for Anya comes with good news

A fundraiser was held for Anya Martinez tonight — the six-year old girl who’s been battling cancer since the age of two. Seemingly out of options on this side of the border, her family was getting ready to go to Philadelphia for treatment. But tonight, some promising news.

MPP Ted McMeekin: “The government of Ontario has found a way to stand with Anya and her family.”

Four years ago, Anya was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia — a cancer that attacks the blood and bone marrow. She’s had chemotherapy, full body radiation and a bone marrow transplant. Everything Canadian medicine could offer. But nothing has worked.

Ted McMeekin: “Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital has stepped up to the plate and will now start their own clinical trials of the groundbreaking therapy that the good doctor just spoke about. As a result, this will enable Anya and her family to travel to Philadelphia for treatment until the Sick Kids trial is firmly underway. In short, we will work through the Toronto Sick Kids hospital to provide the medical and fiscal supports that Anya needs, as she continues her struggle to get well.”

McMeekin did say there would be additional costs. About seven hundred people attended tonight’s gala, which included dinner, entertainment and auctions. Organizers hope to raise well above one hundred thousand dollars from tonight’s event.

To help Anya beat her cancer, you can go to this link at her website and to her Facebook page.