My name is James Bertram-Anderson and I’m a 25-year-old cancer patient.
I love gardening, skateboarding, producing music and making skate videos. I live in Brisbane with my parents and sister. Things got a bit more challenging for me when, shortly after completing my last year of senior, I was diagnosed with a very rare liver cancer called Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma. This was 7 years ago in January 2016. I was 17 years of age.
Over the last 7 years, treatment has taken the form of surgical removal of my tumors. I have undergone 5 surgical procedures so far and each time it was a painful and lengthy recovery period before I could continue with working and skateboarding.
Unfortunately, my last surgery in February 2023 was aborted mid-operation due to the proximity of a major artery adjacent to the cancerous lymph node that was going to get removed and the major tissue scarring around the lymph node made it far too risky for my surgeon to proceed without serious risk of loss of life.
Post-op I was told that my cancer is no longer able to be managed via surgery, so since April 2023, I have been undergoing systemic treatment in the form of immunotherapy and a targeted therapy (Nivolumab intravenous infusions and Lenvatinib tablets). Lenvatinib is covered by PBS, however, Nivolumab is not and is extremely expensive. I may need to add a chemotherapy drug to the protocol in the coming months. This drug will also be another costly additional expense for me.
The costs of treatment are well beyond what I can afford however and I have been relying on the generosity of my family so far to access the treatment I am on. They have had to access savings and superannuation to manage payments.
I have decided to post my story here on the Rare Cancers Organisation website in the hope that I may be able to obtain some financial support for my ongoing treatments. I also hope that my story may help raise awareness and further research into treating this rare cancer that mostly affects very young people, as most young people cannot afford cancer treatments approximating 100k per year.
Thank you to whoever is able to donate, it means a lot to me and my family.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$54.12
Deanna
$54.12
Global Shop Services
We have been on your journey, make memories, life is precious Sending you all of our love & strength May you beat this x
$263.75
Elizabeth Pickworth
$250
Richard And Kate Vines
With our very best wishes. Stay strong.
$25
Ally Holden
$20
Darcy Campbell
$100
Lance Hill
$100
Jan-daniel Rosendahl
Get well dude🤙
$100
Jacinda And Lachlan Tipler
Although we have never met, we wish you the absolute best.
$500
Mary Russell
You're amazing James Xx
$100
James Taylor
Love ya mate hope this helps James T
$50
James Mitchell
Sorry to hear about you story bro, hope things get better soon
$150
Pearse Mcgarrity
All the best mate 👍
$200
Broc Dog
$50
Jelena Popovic
Dear James, I wish we knew what to say to show our support. Our thoughts are with you, stay strong and take one day at the time, one step each day. Jelena and Petar Popovic
$500
Laura Mcbryde
You got this! We are behind you all the way!
$200
Helena Taylor
James wishing you all the best in your journey through this and embracing you and your family with love. Thinking of you all, you got this James❤️love the Taylors
$100
Optimise Neuro Therapy
$100
Frances Matthews
Hi Chris and Dennis, thinking of you both as you navigate this really challenging time with James 💖
$200
Nick Ribbe
From one fibrofighter to another, you are smashing it mate!
$20
Anonymous
sorry to hear about your trouble.
$100
Sarahjane Mcintyre
Wishing you all the very best James
$50
Anonymous
I hope each day brings a little more strength, determination, and healing your way.
$50
A J
All the best James!
$100
Wt C
You are awesome James! Best wishes from Singapore~
$50
Anonymous
$30
Darcy Campbell
$50
Anonymous
$100
Pauline Newton
So sorry to hear about this setback James - you all present such a cheerful public face - we had no idea. Keep us informed - Robert Staerk and Pauline ( friends of your parents)
$50
Cherie Abou Chahla
I’m sorry to hear. Praying for strength and complete healing James.
$30
Stephanie Gal
All the best for the new treatment
$20
Taran Killen
Goodluck buddy xx
$50
Jessica Preston
Best wishes mate and kick this cancer’s arse!
$1,000
Anonymous
Dear James, you are strong and resilient. You can beat this. Try asking the company for compassionate use of nivolumab. All the best, Steph
$5k
James Anderson
With love from Jacqueline and me, inspired by you!
$35
Anonymous
$50
Michael Smith
$20
Anonymous
Good luck mate!
$100
Mardi Trezise
Wishing you all the best James
$50
Anne Wilson
This isn’t much James but hope it helps in some way. Prayers for your full recovery. 🙏🙏🙏
$50
Christine Keep
I’m sorry your going through this James. My husband also has an extremely rare cancer Cardiac Angiosarcoma but we are lucky that his treatment is covered.
$10
Taran K
Sorry buddy, I don't have much but I know every bit counts. I'm 27 with lymphoma that's proving hard to treat. I'm sorry for your pain and I'll be thinking of you. Goodluck my fellow cancer friend xxx
$50
Anthea Cronau
Sending you positive thoughts during such an awful battle.
$500
Sharyn Clarke
All the best James
$20
Anonymous
$500
Wishing you the best James for your recovery. You are a champion.