Sharon's Gallium 68 Campaign

By Sharon Needham Join Me

My name is Sharon and I had never heard of a neuroendocrine tumour until one was discovered in my left lung. My life changed in that instant as I was diagnosed with one of the most difficult to detect cancers at just 42 years old.

I’m writing this today to share how the community can help introduce one of the world’s best detection tools for neuroendocrine cancer, here at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. With community support, patients will no longer need to travel outside of Atlantic Canada for vital answers about their cancer.

I had access to this tool in 2017 when I became one of the first patients in Canada to undergo a gallium-68 DOTATATE scan. My QEII oncologist, Dr. Daniel Rayson, referred me to a clinical trial in Sherbrooke, Quebec. For patients like me, this scan is the best way to diagnose and determine whether my cancer has responded to treatment and immediately detect any early signs that my cancer has returned.

It’s a game-changer, but yet it remains out-of-reach to many patients across the country. Access to gallium-68 DOTATATE is incredibly limited; available only at a few Canadian health centres and, in most cases, only as a clinical trial. Now more than ever, there’s an urgent need to ensure this scan is available here at home. Due to COVID-19, patients like me cannot travel to Quebec or other countries with this capability; we’re among the most vulnerable during this pandemic.

This is why I need your help to raise $200,000 by March 31st to bring this best-in-class cancer detection to the QEII. The faster we get this, the more lives we can change and save.

My Updates

Bringing the best cancer detection to the QEII: Sharon's Story

Tuesday 23rd Feb

Thank you for your support

$208

Brenda Bélanger

Hi Sharon, We heard about your important Gallium 68 campaign from our kind friends Arthur, Sandra and Sarah Irving. Best hopes and wishes. Brenda and Louis Bélanger

$52

Laura Henderson

$260

Colin Parewick

Bravo to you for stepping forward, sharing your story, creating awareness, and speaking for others!

$125

Jennifer Buffett

Love you so much my dear friend <3 You are so strong and an inspiration to us all.

$41.60

Bénédicte Franquien

$25

Jennifer Turple

$104

Elizabeth Gilmore

$54

Anonymous

$250

Clare Smith

Great job on this fundraising effort. Thanks for making a difference in people’s lives 💕

$10k

Arthur, Sandra & Sarah Irving

$100

Lucie & Kris Kendell

Thank you for sharing your story and working tirelessly to bring this valuable resource to Atlantic Canadians.

$50

Anne Hulko

Sharon thank you for all that you do ,I’m Lynne Little’s sister and she speaks so highly of you,mabye one day I will have the pleasure of meeting you if you come back to London.

$26

Liz Masse

You speak so well about such a devastating disease and how you cope with your diagnosis. Keep fighting!

$26

Ruth-ann Goodyear

So happy to see you well and vibrant! All the very best and ‘kudos’ to you for your fund raising efforts. 😊

$52

Lynne Little

Thank you for all you do for the zebra community.

$208

Shelley And Jonathan Amyotte

Aero and the fam love and support you!

$50

Shea + Burke Talmey

Sending luv + hugs xx

$100

Ann Sugrim

$52

Denise Lavoie

Amazing! You rock!

$26

Norman Gallant

$104

Lamby’s Army

$104

Rochelle Seide

$100

Jacob Noye

$52

Jemma Southern

$104

Leigh Chalmers

Good luck reaching your goal. You are inspiring!

$26

Elaine Hulan

$312

Leanne Myles

You are a true inspiration!!!

$104

Vanessa Martin

$50

Michael Thompson

$50

Susan Mullin

Thank you, Sharon. You are transforming neuroendocrine cancer care.

$104

Carolyn Prebble

$25

Jenna Ross

Best of luck with your goal!

$52

Victoria Little

$26

Hillary Little

$104

Debbie Tainton

$104

Sarah Herring

Thank you - for your bravery, your selflessness and everything you’ve done for others with your advocacy, fundraiser and awareness. Proud to call you my friend!

$1.02k

Dorothy Caunce- Petrie

Sharon you've always touched my heart. I will always remember in Toronto, the beautiful tall blonde, telling us about being misdiagnosed for so long. I wish you love, I hope your happy and that you found a love that's you're forever.It's a joy to see your lovely face.💞Dorothy

$208

Sandra Lafleur

Thank You Sharon for always being involved in the fundraising.

$26

Wendy Moss

$26

Donna Longard

Good luck!

$52

Sherri Mallov

$156

Shannon Maciver

$100

Kimberley Hicks

Thank you for everything you share—your heart and soul, your energy, and your effort. XO

$1.02k

Shadow Lake Group Inc. , Catherine Miner

$52

Bene

Beautiful in and out! Proud to be your friend ☺️

$52

Evan Doucet

Great story. Happy to help. Keep trailblazing

$26

Anonymous

$515

Ken & Pat Needham

$208

Scott Ellison

Good luck with the fund raising!

$500

Linda P. Hallett

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