Kate and Mike Brandon received the horrific news in January 2014 that Mike was suffering with a rare form of Leukemia.
After an exhausting search for a stem cell match, Mike received a lifesaving transplant in June of the same year.
The following summer the UK couple married, and they hoped they could look forward to a long and happy future together, with both of them returning to work and talks of starting a family beginning.
But earlier this year, Mike was given the devastating news that the leukemia had returned and was spreading at an aggressive rate.
Mike and Kate have now exhausted all possible treatment options in the UK, but found a treatment in America that has had incredible success with people in a similar situation to Mike’s.
The loving couple are in an unimaginable situation
CAR T-Cell Therapy, which is Mike’s last chance at life, costs $800,000 NZ (400,000 GBP), money that like most young couples – Kate and Mike just didn’t have.
But after appealing to the public to help raise the funds to treat Mike, just days later the couple have reached their target – and Mike will soon be on his way to the US.
Reaching target over the weekend, Kate wrote on the funding page: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to helping us to reach our fundraising goal. Mike and I have been overwhelmed by the love and support we have received. With your help we now have HOPE.
“We have raised a staggering 400K, which is the estimating cost of medical treatment, hospitalisation, lab work, scans and investigations in the US. Any further financial support would be greatly appreciated as Mike will no doubt require additional care and medication during his treatment.
“Please be assured that any extra money raised will be donated to the Bristol Royal Infirmary Haematology Unit who have been incredible throughout our two year struggle. “
Writing on their gofundme page previously, Kate said: “I know Mike will not mean the same to you as he does to me, but I am facing the pain of losing the person I care for most in the entire world, so anything you can do to help, I will be eternally grateful for.”
