Family of Vanderhoof woman battling cancer eyeing treatment options abroad; seeking donations

Over $34,000 dollars was raised to assist the family of a Vanderhoof woman who is battling pancreatic cancer.

According to a Facebook post, Ginger Westbrook was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the 8-centimetre tumor has engulfed into main arteries that supply blood to other organs and have blood clots.

Westbrook’s sister, Rebekah McKee told Vista Radio alternate treatment options in places like Germany, come at a much greater cost so the added funds do help.

“I just know that if it was me, I would be forever grateful for people who want to help me when I have been told my options are zero because Canada can’t offer (the treatment) rather than being this is all that is left in my life that there is an option that is not  attainable without people rallying to help.”

“I know that there technology and what they do is different than what we have here.”

The fundraiser was held at Dollar Central, which included food and a silent auction.

Westbrook will first go for biopsies in Kelowna with the results being sent off to Germany afterwards.

“They won’t know a plan (Germany) until her test results from her biopsy in Kelowna that she will go for. However, they will be doing chemotherapy and radiation but the way they do it is less invasive and they go into the mother cell because that is what feeds all the cancer cells,” added McKee.

“Canada and the US doesn’t have treatment options regarding her situation. To put it bluntly, you just stay home and live what you have left in your life.”

She is a mother of six who grew up in Vanderhoof.

The family has set up for direct deposit to receive donations at gingerwestbrook@msn.com

Westbrook, who has relatives in the United States have also set up payment options through Venmo, Cash App and Apple Pay.

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Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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