By Brendan Rees
Effie Atkins is one tough fighter.
After doctors told her there were “no more options” available to defeat her liver cancer, she refused to give up hope.
Searching for answers, the 66-year-old from Berwick offered herself as a guinea pig for an experimental trial at Monash Hospital – a new form of cancer treatment that mobilises a person’s immune system to fight the disease.
“To my unspeakable joy the growth of my own tumour was quickly arrested,” she said.
Effie’s life has been turned around. Her tumour has shrunk, and she remains in good health.
“It is a miracle. Here we are nearly two years now. I live a normal life with this treatment.”
Effie thought she had beaten liver cancer eight years ago after an operation, but after a few years doctors discovered tumour markers were growing.
“My cancer is a very rare cancer, it’s genetics, per say. They only have a few in the world so they didn’t have any data how to treat this cancer.”
After chemotherapy didn’t work, Effie Atkins’ only hope was to volunteer for a new clinical trial at the Monash Translation Precinct.
After 25 infusions over 17 months, Effie said she began to feel better within herself and the results were better than anyone expected.
“My quality of life has been fantastic. I can make plans for the future. I can do whatever I want. I can still travel. I’m a normal person. I don’t call myself a cancer victim right now.
During the trial, she has met others with similar stories and she has come to realise that, with more support for clinical trials, there could be many more patients benefitting.
So, today, Effie, who says she “can’t achieve this alone” is determined to spread the word and gain the support within the community in the hope of raising $130,000 in 2018.
“I have discovered that many more cancer patients could have access to such trials if funds were available to pay for some critical elements not adequately funded from government, or through Monash Health, or by drug companies.
“This would cover the all-up annual costs of an Oncology Fellow, a clinical scientist position who would be the critical link in supervising the recruitment and treatment of additional trial subjects,” Effie said.
“Perhaps, as many as 100 to 150 additional cancer patients might then have the opportunity to enter a trial and many of these, hopefully, would benefit from their participation.”
A fund-raising campaign, primarily directed in the Casey area, is now underway.
She said a Gatsby Gala Ball would be held in the soon-to-be opened Bunjil Place function rooms on Saturday 14 April, 2018.
Leading up to this event will be a High Tea in the Gardens to be held at Wilson Botanic Park on Sunday 19 November and ticket sales are underway.
Contact Effie at effi@gmail.com to learn more about both events or to become a sponsor.
