Kirsty's story
Kirsty’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with blood cancer just days after finding out she was pregnant with her second child.
She was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Whilst CML can be treated, it currently has no cure.
She immediately thought of her baby. Could she keep her? Would she be able to get through this? After speaking to a CML specialist, she was amazed to to find out that her pregnancy could continue with close monitoring and tailored treatment.
Blood cancer is a complex disease. There are over 100 different types, and each requires its own unique research to develop effective treatments. Many types of blood cancer are much harder to treat, and the chance of survival is much lower.
"My doctors told me that if I’d been diagnosed 10 years earlier, my chances of survival would have been much lower. The progress in treatments most likely saved my life, and my daughter's life too."
A new approach to treating chronic myeloid leukaemia
Professor Helgason from the University of Glasgow is researching a new way to treat CML, a slow growing type of blood cancer.
Cancer cells need high levels of specific nutrients to grow in numbers and thrive. Professor Helgason wants to experiment by restricting certain nutrients available, alongside drug treatments, to see if this could help destroy cancerous stem cells.
This could mean a future where there are new and better treatments for people with CML, getting us closer to a day where no lives are lost to blood cancer.
‘’Your donations, no matter how big or small are so important. Every single penny counts and lots of smaller donations come together to help fund a project.’’
Living proof
Kirsty is living proof of just how much research has progressed in recent years. Both her and her daughter Isabelle are here thanks to donations from kind people like you, who are funding research into treatments like this.
Because people with blood cancer can't wait
We've launched a new research strategy, with a plan to double our investment in new research awards to £70 million over the next five years. Thanks to your support, we know we can get there.