Since putting the call out, the community have shared Daine’s story – and the crowdfunding page – all over social media to help Kelley’s plight to save her husband.
Johannesburg, South Africa (08 December 2022) – A community is rallying behind Kelley Wampach after the loving wife created a crowdfunding campaign to save her 37-year-old husband.
Kelley says that never in a million years did they ever think their lives would change as it did on the 21st of June 2021 when her husband, Daine Wampach, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Nodular Melanoma – the most aggressive form of skin cancer, giving him a 20% chance of survival.
“At his first appointment, the oncologist immediately stated the severity of this type of cancer and suggested the removal of the mole (located on his chest) straight away, which happened that day.
The oncologist then informed us that the ONLY treatment for this type of cancer is immunotherapy, which unfortunately is not given through the government as it’s a very costly treatment, so the only option is to find a trial.”
Fast forward a few months – Daine was accepted on a Pembro Keytruda (Immunotherapy) Trial at Steve Biko and has had therapy for the past eight months now – the 18 tumours in his body started shrinking and some even disappeared; they were so happy!
Then on his last CT scan at the end of October presented their worst nightmare; the treatment had stopped working, the primary tumour under his left arm was growing and the other tumours that were shrinking had increased; although it has slowed the progression, it was no longer working.
“This, however, means he needs to find an alternative Immunotherapy that we will have to pay for, It’s two hundred times more expensive than chemo and unfortunately, he is not on medical aid.”
Each infusion can cost close to R100,000 and they will likely need around 18. Kelley says he is in immense crippling pain; he can not close his left arm at all as the tumour is protruding out and the pain is unbearable. This prognosis has changed drastically in the past eight months.
“The severity of this has increased a millionfold. This cancer is aggressive and needs an aggressive treatment today rather than tomorrow.”
Kelley says that Daine is the most wonderful husband, friend, son and brother and has a very big heart.
“I cannot think of a man who deserves to live as much as my husband does.
“It is absolutely devastating that the treatment needed to save his life is not more economically accessible in South Africa as it is in other countries and that an amazing man like my husband has to rely on crowdfunding to save his life; it is not fair! He is only 37, far too young to die!!”
“If you can find it in your heart to donate even the smallest amount to help Daine get an alternative Immunotherapy, we need to raise at least half of the target to pay for at least the first few treatments to save his life- we are begging for his chance to live as time is of the essence!”
“Please help save my husband!”
Since putting the call out, the community have shared Daine’s story and the crowdfunding page all over social media to help Kelley’s plight to save her husband.
If you would like to donate, please click here.
by 