UPDATE: Alexis Wronzberg – the 27-year-old with acute lymphoblastic leukemia whose family began an urgent fundraising campaign less than two weeks ago – begins six days of chemotherapy this week in preparation for a potentially life-saving haploidentical stem cell and bone marrow transplant from her mother, Debra.
Alexis Wronzberg
The transplant is scheduled to take place Oct. 20, Alexis’ father, Rick, told The CJN. He said that his wife and daughter have undergone “a battery of tests” since they arrived in Israel, and that the chemotherapy is intended to “push the disease back to make room for the marrow.”
Funds raised for Alexis have reached almost $300,000, but that amount only covers the cost of the treatment by Dr. Shlomo Slavin and his colleagues at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
However, it looks like costs will be “significantly more,” Rick said. Further expenses include accommodation, food, follow-up visits to Israel and medication, he noted.
Because Alexis will be an outpatient for much of the three months she is expected to be in Israel – instead of staying in isolation in the hospital – her needs include a larger place than first anticipated, with cooking facilities and her own washroom. A suitable apartment has been located, her father said.
Rick was preparing to leave for Israel later this week to be with his wife and daughter. UJA Federation of Greater Toronto facilitated the donation of two economy air tickets.
It has been “a very humbling experience to see all these people – strangers, a lot of them” coming forward to help Alexis, Rick said.
Funds raised beyond what is necessary will be directed to others in similar circumstances, he added.
The Wronzbergs learned of Slavin’s work through the organization Ezrat Cholim (ECHO).
Rick said doctors at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital provided Alexis with the treatment she needed to be able to fly to Israel and were in regular contact with the doctors at Ichilov.
Alexis was first diagnosed in September 2004. After two years of chemotherapy, she stayed in remission for three years, but in August 2009, she suffered a relapse and needed a stem cell transplant.
Initial chemotherapy to achieve the remission necessary for the transplant didn’t work, but a more toxic form brought about remission last Chanukah.
In February, Alexis underwent a stem cell transplant, and recovered well. The family was cautiously optimistic, but on Sept. 28, they learned she had relapsed again.
Her options are limited, and time is of the essence, her mother wrote in her original e-mail appeal.
Donations can be made at any branch of TD Canada Trust, referencing Bank 0004, transit 12142, account 6328765, payable to Deborah Wronzberg in trust for Alexis Wronzberg.
To donate via Internet banking, use Interac transfer – the e-mail reference for the transfer is [email protected], and you should send a separate e-mail to [email protected] with the security question and answer.
Contributors can also donate online via credit card or PayPal, by using the “Donate” button on this web page: http://j.mp/helpalexis. As well, Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am Synagogue is accepting cheques payable to Beth David, 55 Yeomans Rd., Toronto, Ont., with memo/reference “Alexis,” and credit card payments by calling 416-633-5500.
