Liz's story
In 2020 Liz was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. "This was a scary and shocking situation we never could have imagined," says Richard, Liz's brother.
"At the time of diagnosis the disease was quite progressed due to the fast acting nature of the condition. The medical team decided that the best possible cause of treatment was a combination of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. As her brother I was tested to see if I was a match but unfortunately was not.
The search then began using the DKMS register to try and find a suitable donor. After an extensive search Liz was fortunate to receive a ten out of ten match from a donor in Germany. She received the stem cell transplant and went into full remission for a year.
Unfortunately after a year the disease returned. Due to her loving and warm nature she had become good friends with her medical team in Leeds and when the disease returned her consultants were able to get her on to a trial running from the Christie in Manchester.
Here she underwent experimental CAR- T Therapy which was successful at putting her back into remission for a year again. Sadly in October 2023 a routine biopsy showed a molecular trace level of disease and in January Liz was hospitalised with severe pain and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed the disease had come back.
Even then she was brave enough to undergo another course of chemotherapy to extend her time but there was no further treatment option available."
Liz passed away on the 11th of May at St Gemma's Hospice with her brother, parents and husband by her side.
"During her treatment as a former entertainer, Liz continually posted and undertook interviews on radio etc. to raise awareness of Leukaemia and the importance of the DKMS register. She even gave inspirational talks at corporate events and was working on her public speaking brand Getting it ALL out!"
Joining the stem cell register in memory of Liz will help keep her work alive and do good in her honour.