West Bromwich Mother in Critical Fight for Life-Extending Cancer Drug
A courageous mother from West Bromwich is engaged in a desperate battle against stage four cancer, with her family pleading for access to a £7,000-per-month drug that could grant them more precious time together. Donna Cook, aged 50, has defied initial medical predictions through sheer determination, but now faces a critical juncture in her treatment journey.
A Devastating Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
Donna Cook received the devastating news that she had lung cancer which had already metastasized to her brain. In December 2021, the mother-of-two underwent emergency brain surgery followed by targeted radiotherapy to both frontal lobes. At that time, doctors gave her a prognosis of approximately 18 months to live, a timeline she has remarkably surpassed through what her children describe as "sheer determination and courage."
Her daughter Savannah explained that despite being on a targeted drug therapy initially, the cancer proved relentless and began spreading aggressively throughout her body. The disease has now progressed to her chest, spine, and lymph nodes, creating an increasingly complex medical situation.
The Search for a Final Treatment Option
Currently, Donna's oncologist is fighting to secure one final treatment option - a drug called amivantamab, which is an antibody therapy designed for adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This medication is not available through NHS England, creating a significant barrier to access for patients like Donna who could potentially benefit from its effects.
The medical team has applied directly to the pharmaceutical company in hopes of obtaining the drug on compassionate grounds. Without this intervention, Savannah states that her mother's time is "limited," placing the family in what they describe as "the last chance saloon" for effective treatment.
The Physical and Emotional Toll of Treatment
Donna's cancer journey has taken an immense physical and emotional toll. She recently completed five rounds of whole-brain radiotherapy after doctors discovered over 40 rapidly spreading lesions throughout her brain, along with further progression in her lungs and spine. This intensive treatment has significantly impacted both her body and spirit.
Previous treatments have included chemotherapy that bought precious time until it too stopped working, and radiotherapy to her chest that resulted in severe pneumonitis, hospitalization, and a partially collapsed lung that continues to cause ongoing health challenges.
A Family's Fundraising Efforts and Hopes
Recognizing that they cannot cure Donna's cancer, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover essential prescription medications, supplements, and complementary therapies that could support her body, ease symptoms, and potentially extend their time together. As a single mother, Donna's greatest wish is to see her 17-year-old son settled into university and confidently launched into the world.
Savannah describes her mother as "beautiful inside and out - fabulous, funny, creative, and unapologetically herself." She emphasizes that Donna remains the family's foundation - "our home, our mum, our best friend, our confidant" - who continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite pain and exhaustion.
The family acknowledges that privately purchasing the £7,000 monthly drug would be financially impossible, making compassionate access through the pharmaceutical company their only viable option. They express endless gratitude for any support that could translate into more time, memories, and moments with the woman who has consistently given everything to others throughout her life.
