Calgary couple raising money to fund daughter's million-dollar liver transplant

A Calgary couple is trying to raise money for a potentially life-saving treatment for their 3-year-old daughter, who has a rare type of cancer.

Lindsey Marofke's daughter Greta was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer a few days before she turned two.She was treated successfully at the Alberta Children's Hospital, but the cancer hepatoblastomacame back in August2016. At that point, Marofkewas told palliative care for the little girl was the only option left.

"They'll give her a little bit of radiation to buy us some time, and that's what they've offered us," she told the Calgary Eyeopener.

U.S. doctor says transplant could work

A doctor at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital in the U.S.said a liver transplant could work for Greta, howeverMarofke saiddoctors in Alberta won't do a transplant because Greta's odds of survival afterwards aren't high enough.

She wants to explore the option of a transplantand the family is in Cincinnati this week to meet with doctors. The procedure would comeat a steep cost for the family more than $1 millionUS.

Marofke said Alberta Health very likely won't cover that bill.

"With us being rejected in Alberta [for a transplant]they've basically said they're almost certain Alberta will not pay for this procedure," she said. "The doctors are not very hopeful that they'll pay for it."

Marofke haslaunched an online campaign and trust account to try to raise half of the $1 million.

As of 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, nearly $35,000 had been raised.

'I gotta do this for her'

As for the other half of the million dollars?

"The plan is my parents' and my in-laws' retirement fund at this point to fund the rest," Marofke said.

Even if Marofke's family can raise the money, there's still no guarantee the procedure will be a success.

But she said her family has to tryfor Greta's sake.

"It's a real chance, it'sareal hope,which we didn't haveafew days ago," Marofke said.

"She's a spunky three-year-old girl who just likes to have fun and ... I gotta do this for her."

• MORE CALGARY NEWS |New Calgary bishop promises to be 'just as firm' as predecessor on gay-straight alliances
• MORE CALGARY NEWS |How Calgary is trying to become the next 'Silicon Valley North'

With files from Dan McGarvey and the Calgary Eyeopener