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Her blue eyes pierce the screen. On Facebook, Isys' parents regularly post photos of their three-year-old daughter to keep their loved ones and the people of Saint-Barth up to date with her state of health. Medical examinations, daily victories and weeks of respite at home: the photos follow one another and document the battle against the disease that Isys and her parents are waging. Since she was nine months old, Isys has been suffering from a very rare form of cancer. Doctors are trying to cure this atypical teratoid rhaboid tumor through numerous surgeries and treatments with chemotherapy and proton therapy. Despite all these ordeals, little Isys is still going strong, having celebrated her third birthday last April. "Isys will have spent almost 2 of her first 3 years in hospital," describes her mother Loula on Facebook. This summer, the family was able to rest in Saint-Barth, before a check-up MRI scheduled for August 26. "It was a short respite that we were able to fill with joy and happiness in our family cocoon," says Nicolas, Isys' father. But when the examination was over, the news was not good. The targeted radiotherapy treatment had not brought the expected results. "The tumor continued to grow in the brain, and three metastases appeared in the spinal cord in different places," explains Nicolas. Faced with this situation, the doctors have "run out of solutions". But there's no question of giving up. Isys and her family are pinning their hopes on an experimental treatment in Boston, USA. In France, it takes a minimum of four to eight weeks to hope to enter a clinical trial, if the eligibility conditions are met. "Isys's time is running out, however, and she doesn't have much time left at the rate her cancer is progressing. She has difficulty moving around on her own, and walking is becoming a great difficulty for her," writes her father. But in the United States, experimental treatment comes at a price: at least 400,000 euros. This amount was estimated by Nicolas, but since the publication of this article, Isys' parents have received the quote from Boston. They have to pay 1 million 267 thousand euros, in a lump sum, to have access to this treatment. Isys's family has launched a fundraising campaign in the hope of raising the money needed to pay these medical expenses. "Thank you to all those who read our appeal for help," insists Nicolas, who invites everyone to share the kitty. It can be accessed via the online fund-raising website leetchi.com, "the last chance treatment", as well as in person at Super U. With Nicolas's agreement, the Journal de Saint-Barth has decided to relay Isys's story and share the fund so that anyone who wants to can come to their aid.
The public rallies to help Isys
Isys and her family's appeal has been heard. Several events are planned this weekend to raise funds and enable Isys to have the necessary budget to be treated in Boston, USA. This Friday, September 27, a solidarity tournament is being organized by the Ouanalao Beach Tennis association. "The Ouanalao Beach Tennis association, which has been involved in the fight against cancer for many years with actions such as "Octobre Rose" and "Sourire pour la Vie", is wholeheartedly mobilizing for this cause", describe the organizers. The event takes place at 6.30pm on the Plaine des Jeux, with all proceeds going to the Isys family. "Together, let's make a difference. Join us, and let's show that in Saint-Barthélemy, solidarity is stronger than anything", writes the sports association.
For the less sporty, a recreational afternoon is proposed this Saturday, September 28 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm at Anse des Cayes park. The event, planned by Isys' godmother and the Bout d'chou association, will include a cake and drinks sale, as well as a mini fair with bouncy castles, duck fishing and other games. "We hope to see many of you there, to raise funds which we hope will be used for his recovery! "say the organizers.
