ACF13477

Healing Cancer Holistically in Children

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Submitted by:

Tanya Cherryholme

Location:

Brantford, ON
Idea Created:

September 24, 2012

Budget:

Large ($100K - 150K)

Community Size:

More than 1,000

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Overview:

Tamarra Cherryholme Foundation was founded in honor of Tanya Cherryholme’s daughter; Tamarra. Tamarra was diagnosed with cancer at 17 years old and passed away at 18, just shy of her 19th birthday. She lived with the disease for many years before diagnosis with many failing health signs. Upon diagnosis she was critically ill and developed Hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling. This was caused by a major tumor that was growing on her spinal tip and brain stem. Her survival rate was slim. After major neurological assessment, a shunt surgery was performed to reduce the swelling. It was risky but it was the only chance she had. Tamarra beat the odds and survived making leaps and bounds toward improvements. Now it was time to start her treatments. She successfully completed 6 weeks of radiation, 3 biopsies, rehabilitation and 6 months of chemo. Follow up scans showed a significant decrease in the tumor with minor scar tissue. We were elated and hopeful. Further scans showed the cancer returned, this time in her spinal fluids. She did another 6 weeks of radiation and once again successfully completed her protocol. Scans once again showed that the tumors in her spine were still present and now it had spread to her brain. It was time to make the best of her time left. Doctors expected a very fast decline. Tamarra accepted her demise but not without a fight and a list. She carried out a bucket list and we started naturopathic cancer treatments. We immediately saw improvements. She had an appetite, energy, better sleep patterns and color in her cheeks. We continued the treatments as long as the money was available, but, the money became sparse and time was borrowed. Tamarra lived almost 3 months past her terminal diagnosis and passed away November 23, 2010. In her honour, TCF was founded as avenue of “choice” for children and young adults in the cancer fight providing quality of life. Our biggest project for the future will be to provide grants to facilitate research towards non invasive cancer treatments in pediatric oncology. This grant will be offered to the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC) and or the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and their affiliates. Our main objective is to financially aid families with children wanting to incorporate a naturopathic cancer care program. This is done by an application process to TCF filled out by the patient or parent and there ND. These treatments can successfully be a part of a patient’s traditional cancer protocol. Naturopathic Oncology and conventional oncology are starting to bridge the gap, however, the cost is out of pocket for parents/families and while the option is there, the choice is hurdled by financial strain. Our organization, from your donations can provide these cancer care treatments through licensed ND's by covering the cost for qualified families.