Queenstown’s Meila Davis, 12, will fly to the United States early next month to start potentially life-saving treatment, after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, last year.
Meila’s cancer has not responded to standard treatment in New Zealand.
Despite being recommended experimental drug, EnGeneIC Dream Vector, Melia has been denied access to it by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora.
Last month, Meila received confirmation she had been accepted into a clinical trial at the University of North Carolina, the first one of its kind for children.
Her mother, Kristin, said the relief was palpable.
"We booked the flights earlier this week, so it all feels real now."
She will be in the United States for just three days. During that time, she will meet the trial’s lead doctor, George Hucks, before being sedated and having blood withdrawn.
That will be used to make T-cells, modified by Hucks to target Meila’s cancerous cells.
Then, in September, she will head back to the US for five weeks for the modified cells to be administered.
In between times, Kristin is planning a Shine Bright Like a Diamond black-tie ball fundraiser to help cover the costs of travel and treatment.
It will be held at Arrowtown’s Vingard, formerly Mount Soho Winery, on August 3.
Tickets will be advertised shortly.
A Givealittle page has also been established to help cover the family’s costs.
- By Olivia Judd
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