Lexi was a happy, healthy kid, full of energy, laughter, and all the little moments that make childhood carefree and normal. When headaches persisted after a routine ear infection, we agree to scans just to be safe, never imagining it would change everything.
In an instant, our world shifted when doctors found a mass in her brain and just when we thought that was the hardest news we could face, the results after surgery brought something even more devastating: our Lexi had brain cancer.
Lexi has been diagnosed with High‑Grade Astrocytoma with Piloid Features (HGAP), an extremely rare cancer that accounts for only 1–3% of all brain tumors. Because of its rarity, doctors are still learning how it behaves and there are limited treatment options.
For the past four months, Lexi has been traveling to Miami for a clinical trial. Each visit included an MRI which ultimately revealed that Lexi’s cancer has progressed not only in her brain, but also to her spine. Because of this progression, she was removed from the clinical trial we had so desperately hoped would be the answer to our prayers.
Today, we find ourselves needing to ask for help in a way we never imagined. Lexi’s cancer is advancing, and the treatment she now needs is only available outside the United States. We are leaning on our family, friends, and community to help us fight for her.
After consulting with numerous oncology teams, we have made the hopeful decision to pursue IOZK Immunotherapy in Germany, which currently offers the best chance of getting this disease under control. Immuno-oncology treatments work by strengthening and activating Lexi’s own immune system to fight her cancer, with the hope of providing long-term protection against new cancer cells.
Before traveling to Germany, Lexi will undergo 4–6 weeks of radiation treatments in an effort to slow the progression of the disease. Following that, we will head overseas to begin her immunotherapy.
This next phase of Lexi’s ongoing care comes with immediate and massive financial challenges, none of which is covered by insurance. Since therapy is tailored to each individual patient, costs can vary considerably but the following fees are listed as a guide for the INITIAL round ONLY of treatment.
Expected Minimum Costs for Initial Round of Treatment
-Pre‑treatment labs: $7,350–$9,180
-Minimum Two IO‑VAC cycles: $49,680–$56,160
-One 5‑day treatment unit: $6,480–$11,880
-Medications & infusions: Variable
Total minimum estimated medical: $63,510–$77,220 (before travel and lodging)
These steps will all be repeated as much and as often as recommended by the doctors, which is why we are looking to raise $200k.
The original GoFundMe launched when Lexi was first diagnosed raised $33,685. None of that money has been touched. Every dollar from that initial fundraiser will now be applied in full to help launch this next urgent phase of treatment, but we still need the remaining and approximate $167,000.
How you can help:
DONATE: For those who feel led and are able to support Lexi during this critical time, every donation will go directly toward her medical treatments and the expenses required to travel overseas to get her the care she urgently needs
SHARE: We are hoping to reach foundations and other organizations that can lend support in ways that could change the course of Lexi’s life.
PRAY: The love, prayers, and support we have received from family, friends, and even strangers have carried us through some of our hardest days. Although this is not the news any of us were hoping for, we continue to trust wholeheartedly that God is present in every detail of Lexi’s story.
As for Lexi, her spirits remain high. She continues to amaze us everyday with her bravery and maturity. She chooses to still attend school in person, play flag football and live life as any other 12 year old. She refuses to let this disease slow her down!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving Lexi, for praying relentlessly, and for walking alongside our family during this journey. Please keep the prayers coming, we feel them every single day!
Gratefully from Lexi’s parents,
Rush Frisby & Judy Frisby