‘Chemo Parties’ Bring Joy Amidst Cancer Battle and Transplant Hope

A young woman, initially experiencing symptoms like nausea and jaundice, was diagnosed in January 2024 with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare progressive liver disease. A year later, she received a further devastating diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a tumor in her bile duct. To cope with the gruelling nine months of chemotherapy that followed, she initiated 'chemo parties.'

These themed parties, often involving costumes and snacks, transformed difficult treatment days into occasions to look forward to. She shared that these events allowed her to maximize her time with loved ones and also served to educate others about the realities of cancer treatment.

Her husband, Josh, noted it was difficult for his wife, who previously worked for a charity supporting parents affected by pregnancy loss, to transition from a helper to someone needing assistance. He shared their story on LinkedIn, receiving substantial support and donations from strangers.

The couple is now aiming to raise £200,000 to cover the costs of a potential transplant operation. Tests have confirmed Josh is a match, though surgeons have also advised considering other donor options.