North Vancouver brewery fundraising for baby with rare form of cancer
Posted February 20, 2021 10:51 am.
Last Updated February 20, 2021 10:58 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A North Vancouver brewery is joining the battle to help save a newborn’s life after he was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer days after birth.
Alejo’s parents noticed a small lump on his leg only a week after he was born. An ultrasound revealed he had an aggressive and rare form of cancer called malignant rhabdoid tumor with SMARCB1 mutation on chromosome 22.
Felipe Angel, Alejo’s uncle, explains the specific presentation of the tumor makes it difficult to manage, and there are only nine other cases in the world, making Alejo the 10th.
“You know my brother’s on the phone daily with pediatricians and oncologists all around the world, trying to look for possible treatments or clinical trials. The problem is that, because [Alejo] is so small, no one’s, taking him right now,” he tells NEWS 1130.
Some long-time friends of Angel’s at North Point Brewing Co. named a beer after the baby, the “Alejo IPA,” and will be donating all the proceeds to the family’s GoFundMe page.
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“We’re just overwhelmed and humbled and grateful by the incredible show of support that the community has shown us,” Angel says. “Any prayer positive love or energy send our way. We really appreciate it, and I know it’s a tough time for everyone, so we appreciate everything.”
While there is possibly a spot in a clinical trial in Boston, Angel says the family is still waiting on a decision and it would cost a minimum of $1 million for Alejo to take part.
The family is looking into alternative treatments and the money raised is go toward medical bills.
As of Saturday morning, the GoFundMe page has raised more than $218,000 of its $500,000 goal.
Angel says friends and family take a moment every day at 8 p.m. to send love and positivity to Alejo and his parent.
