Elizabeth is a beautiful 3-year-old girl, whose childhood is anything but normal right now. In September 2007, Elizabeth was diagnosed with diffused pontine glioma, an uncommon, inoperable brain tumor that gave her a 5% chance to live. As soon as possible Elizabeth and her parents started the most aggressive treatment that they could, which included Chemo and Radiation every day. Fighting for Elizabeth's life became the absolute priority for her parents, Annemarie and Dave, as well as for all friends, family, and even kind generous strangers.
Right before Christmas 2007, the Kulikowski family got excellent news about Elizabeth. The aggressive treatments were working and the tumor was shrinking. Although this news was more than the Kulikowski family could ask for, Elizabeth's diagnosis and treatments were creating a financial strain on their family. Fundraising efforts began, selling bracelets, motorcycle rides, dances, etc. Raising money helped Elizabeth's family with many different expenses that came their way. A month later, in January of 2008, family and friends got together to celebrate Elizabeth's 2nd birthday and the success her treatment was having. Everyone was also more than surprised and excited to hear, Elizabeth was going to be a big sister in August!!
In February 2008, Elizabeth's doctors at Children's Hospital Boston decided that in order to make sure Elizabeth beats this tumor, she needs to keep fighting. Chemo once a week will help shrink the tumor, and kill the activity inside. Her parents agreed, and every Tuesday they made their way into Dana Farber in order to fight for the life of their oldest daughter. MRI's and brain scans came back each and every time saying Elizabeth was stable, easing everyone's mind.
August 2008 brought both joy and heartache to the Kulikowski family. Kaitlyn Rose was born happy and healthy becoming Elizabeth's new best friend. Although Annemarie's father, Elizabeth and Kaitlyn's grandfather passed away soon after the birth of Katie, he left the world leaving everyone at ease by saying "I will be okay, as long as Elizabeth is getting better."
October 2008 came around, still great news, the tumor was stable! Then a mere 3 weeks later, Elizabeth's head started to tilt again, one of the signs that brought the tumor to everyone's attention in the first place. Her MRI concluded the tumor was rapidly re-growing. The doctors at Dana Farber told Annemarie and Dave that Elizabeth had a 1% chance of survival. Although they did have another Chemo, but it was very experimental and they did not think it would do much for Elizabeth. The doctors said we can try it or you can take your daughter home and enjoy her until she passes.
Take her home? This was absolutely not an option for her family. They will fight until they cannot fight anymore! Dave decided he needed to find other options. Researching on the internet Dave found the Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas. Using gene therapy Dr. Burzynski injects a natural drug called Protocel daily into his patients, which helps kill cancer. Many people have been to his clinic and this drug has great outcomes. So in November, the Kulikowski family embarked on their trip to Houston, Texas.
The treatment is attached to Elizabeth through her port catheter and is injected 22 hours a day. Annemarie and Dave are the only two who know how to care for Elizabeth right now because her treatment is so evasive. After 3 weeks in Texas, Elizabeth and family came home right before Christmas with hopes that this treatment will save Elizabeth.
At the end of January 2009, Elizabeth had her MRI, which would tell everyone whether this treatment is working. Now, most people who find out that there tumor is rapidly re-growing, would be happy to hear that after 6 weeks of treatment that the tumor was the same size because that would mean the treatment is having an effect. Well you can imagine the feeling of relief, joy, and excitement everyone felt when the MRI showed Elizabeth's tumor was SHRINKING!!!!!
Sadly, this treatment, Elizabeth's only option for survival, is not covered by health insurance, and its startup costs were $14,500. Still being in the early stages of FDA approval, the Kulikowski family needs $7,600 a month in order to treat their daughter. Fundraising is not only a way to help the Kulikowski family with all of the financial burdens that have been bestowed upon them, it is ABSOLUTLEY NEEDED to SAVE the life of little Elizabeth.
