A Hertfordshire woman whose only sibling has an aggressive brain tumour is holding a night of music to help pay for life-prolonging treatment in Germany.
Carolyn Brightwell, 46, from Croxley Green, held a ‘Party for My Sister’ at The Duck pub in Rickmansworth, Herts, on Saturday (30th November). The event was planned in an effort to improve the prognosis for her younger sister, Elaine Brown, 44, who was diagnosed in April 2024 with a grade 4 glioblastoma (GBM).
Despite brain surgery, radiotherapy and an ongoing round of chemotherapy, Elaine’s treatment options in the UK have been exhausted in her fight against this life-limiting brain tumour. She has already received two rounds of a personalised vaccine in Cologne, Germany, and requires a third, priced at £80,000.
Carolyn said: “Elaine had the worst possible diagnosis of a grade 4 brain tumour, highly aggressive and hard to treat with conventional cancer treatments, with a prognosis of just 12–15 months.
“Her treatment plan in the UK has very much been a palliative care approach, which doesn’t seem fair when you search online and read about other countries, which seem to have other treatment options and are more forward-thinking.”
For six months, Carolyn planned ‘Party for My Sister’ to contribute towards the high price-tag of Elaine’s treatment. Showcasing house classics and 90s favourites, with sets from Adam House, Darren Rowe and DJ Swing, there was also a silent auction and a raffle of sports memorabilia and leisure experiences.
Carolyn, a mother-of-two, explained: “They say your sibling should be the longest relationship in your life and I can’t believe that, for me, this could end soon. We won’t give up until we have exhausted every treatment option and avenue.
“The generosity of the community around our family has been unbelievably kind; we’ve all been blown away by kind messages and donations to the online giving page.”
Carolyn’s commitment to Elaine’s survival is inspiring, but it also serves as a reminder of the desperate need for more treatment options for brain tumour patients in the UK. To help fund the fight and find a cure for all types of brain tumours, donate to us.
Alternatively, donate to Elaine and Carolyn’s GoFundMe or make a bid in their silent auction.
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Published Thursday 5th December 2024.