A BRAVE teenage cancer patient from Rugby who requires specialist treatment in Mexico is receiving the full support of a borough pub.
Felicia Cantone was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma when aged just six, meaning she must travel to Mexico for treatment currently not available under the NHS.
With each visit costing around £23,000, Felicia and her family face the uphill task of raising the cash sum every three years to keep her immune system at a required level.
The 19-year-old underwent a year of chemotherapy when she was first diagnosed and has since had her right leg above the knee amputated after a lump the size of a golf ball was discovered in her calf muscle.
Unfortunately, the lump had metastasized into her lungs meaning she spent an entire month in hospital – unable to speak or move throughout the process.
Despite her condition and its challenges, Felicia’s mum has teamed up with The George at Bilton to host a packed evening of fundraising including a quiz with plenty of fun and games.
Speaking to The Observer, Samantha Kaya said her daughter’s latest trip to Mexico will be the fourth time she has travelled for treatment abroad.
She added: “We raise money to keep Felicia’s immune system high.
“The treatment is responsible for keeping the cancer at bay.
“The response from the community has been amazing and never fails to inspire me – schools, events and various people have raised huge sums of money to help Felicia fight her battle.”
Though she still struggles, Felicia is now studying Business Management at Greenwich University and has ambitions to set up her own business in the future.
There is also hope she can afford to buy a high tech prosthetic leg which should be considerably more comfortable than the NHS leg she currently uses.
With the quiz night taking place this Saturday (December 3), Samantha is urging everyone to turn out in force and support Felicia’s ambition to continue her life-changing treatment across the Atlantic.
She said: “I work at the The George and manager James Coulson wanted to help me raise funds for Felicia.
“It will be a fun night with plenty of games and it’s all happening for a worthy cause, I’d love to see as many people there as possible.
“Fundraising events have proved invaluable in the past as my ex-husband has completed bike rides in Thailand and Ibiza, both raising superb amounts of money.
“There’s been a lot of support from people living where we are originally from in Essex too – we’re humbled by everyone’s support.”
Felicia’s fundraising quiz night takes place at The George at Bilton on Saturday (December 3) from 6pm.
