Megan Watkins gets help with cancer treatment

St. Augustine resident Megan Watkins is getting some help from A1A Ale Works, located at 1 King Street, tomorrow evening when they host a Tapping Party from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to benefit the 19 year-old local girl who suffers from a malignant brain tumor.

Megan wrote that she and her family have agreed for her to receive a controversial cancer treatment; and, based on recent blood test results that show a large increase in dead cancer cells, it may be working.

In May of this year, Megan was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme — the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in humans involving glial cells. The disease accounts for 52% of all functional tissue brain tumor cases and 20% of all intracranial tumors.

Rubio Cancer Center, located in Tijuana, Mexico, is one of the few cancer treatment centers in the world with an extensive variety of customized cancer vaccines and adult stem cell therapies.

“The immediate results were almost unbelievable,” Megan said of her improvements since the initial treatments. “The feeling in my left hand has starting coming back and the involuntary shaking has ceased.”

Megan’s family has exhausted their financial resources providing Megan an initial 5-week treatment at the cutting-edge cancer hospital.

Even though Megan’s participation in the program is legal, her parent’s insurance through the Army National Guard will not pay for it because it is deemed “experimental”. Megan’s Dad, Command Sergeant Major Chris Lagasse’ and mother, Staff Sergeant Cynthia Lagasse’, say that she will be able to continue receiving the treatments necessary for her condition with the help of the community.

The Center says that their noninvasive approach to healing cancer combines immunotherapy, nontoxic medication, a cancer diet and low doses of chemotherapy and radiation.

In Megan’s case, she reports that her night tremors are nearly non-existent since beginning treatment and her overall feeling of health is much better.

Known as “Megan’s Army” her supporters and family have set a goal of $250,000 by December 24, 2011 — they started on September 24th and have raised about $18,564 so far.

In addition to the A1A Ale Works event November 10, there will be a $25 donation dinner that will include a silent and live auction, live entertainment from the finest, “What about Darcy”, catered by Sonny’s, on Saturday, November 19 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the Ensslin National Guard Armory located on State Road 207 in St. Augustine.

You can register for the event at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175554325865057

Donation checks payable to Megan Watkins can be dropped off or mailed to Estate Title located at 71 Carerra Street in St. Augustine, Fl 32084.