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Alina Margot Galletta
Alina Margot Galletta
8 years old
Stage IV Neuroblastoma
Dania Beach, FL, United States
http://www.caringbridge.org/al/alinamg
Our Story
Alina was diagnosed at stage 4 (high risk) just before her fourth birthday. Her symptoms were virus-like which is common, and why Neuroblastoma is known as a “silent killer” and difficult to catch early. Although we had the idea that pediatric cancer had come a long way and was very curable, we found out that this is only the case with leukemia and initially she was given only a 30 percent chance to survive 5 years. Early into her treatment we heard about Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY, that they specialized in Neuroblastoma, and decided to continue her treatment there. Although not yet proven, we believed their N9 protocol would have better percentages. They had stopped doing transplants and instead were using targeted 3F8 antibodies only available there. There was no ‘guarantee’ of better prognosis but definitely of less toxicity, leaving more options available in case of a relapse. Even though Alina’s treatment was probably easier that most other kids with her diagnosis, there were many moments of sheer torture, things that no child should have to endure. We will always live in fear of a relapse until a cure is found.
Thank you
We despearately need to have more effective, less toxic therapies available to every child and are very grateful for your help.
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