WATCH: A Penticton family is facing an agonizing challenge. Their teenage daughter has been diagnosed with an extremely rare, aggressive form of cancer and the doctors in Canada say there’s nothing more they can do. Elaine Yong has the story.
The parents of Kaylee Kozari-Bowland, a 16-year-old from Penticton, feel helpless as they watch their daughter undergo treatment for cancer at BC Children’s Hospital.
“When you’re bringing up your child, you’re always there to protect them. For the first time in my life I feel useless,” says Scott Bowland, Kaylee’s dad.
Last July, Kaylee found out she had an aggressive and rare form of cancer attacking her spine and lungs. Emergency surgery, chemotherapy and radiation seemed to be working.
“She progressed in her walking,” says Tammy Kozari, Kaylee’s mother.
“She lost her hair after the second round, for a 16-year-old that’s difficult. She was just starting to be comfortable, adventure out more.”
But in January, an MRI showed new tumours in her brain and spine. This week, she lost feeling in her leg. While treatment has been ongoing, doctors have told Kaylee’s parents there’s no cure to be found in British Columbia.
“They’ve basically said they can’t cure her here. They’re trying to prolong the growth of the tumors,” says Scott, who has spent weeks investigating every potential option to save her.
“As long as we’re doing something, there’s always hope.”
There are a few possibilities they’re looking at, but B.C. doctors have said a trial at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas is the most feasible options. However, the cost is upwards of $200,000. The family put their home up for sale and is asking the public for support on a YouCaring site.
“As a parent, you have to do whatever you can for them, and try and find whatever resources you can,” says Tammy.
“I just want her to get her somewhere, to get going on something else, to hopefully stop this thing from growing.”
(You can donate to Kaylee Kozari-Bowland’s family by clicking here)
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