Michelle was only 15 when she began to feel pins and needles in her feet. Soon, she was suffering from excruciating back pain and numbness in one leg. Then one day she woke up completely paralyzed from the waist down.

Doctors quickly discovered Michelle had a tumour on her spinal cord and diagnosed her with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a fast-growing form of cancer that usually has a very grim outlook.

After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Michelle and her family were relieved to find her tumour had shrunk. But then they got devastating news: The tumour had grown back.

Fortunately, Michelle had been enrolled in BC Cancer's Personalized Onco-Genomics (POG) Program, funded by generous donors like you. Experts had sequenced the entire DNA of her tumour and discovered it might respond to an innovative immunotherapy.

Michelle’s immune system was given a boost to attack her cancer and she made incredible progress, enjoying time with family and friends. Six months after starting immunotherapy, Michelle was able to walk again with the aid of arm supports.

Michelle and her family aren’t sure what the future holds. Her tumour recently started progressing again. But she has a positive outlook. She is hopeful that her care team can once again use POG to identify another effective course of treatment.

Michelle is reflecting on the Shining Stars in her life this holiday season: her mother, Carla, her champion through her cancer experience; her boyfriend, Dylan her ‘rock’; and the BC Cancer experts who won’t stop looking for new options for her.

Please make a gift to honour Shining Stars like Michelle and support the very best in cancer research and care.