In an inspiring tale of resilience and medical innovation, a woman in Illinois received an extraordinary treatment that has opened new doors in cancer care. This story highlights not just a groundbreaking medical procedure but also the enduring spirit of a remarkable individual fighting against the odds.

Meet Bozena Wojtach, a vibrant 66-year-old.
After a routine eye exam revealed a troubling mass behind her right eye, Bozena was diagnosed with uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer. It was a diagnosis that would change her life forever, but it was also the catalyst for a remarkable journey.

Uveal melanoma mainly spreads to the liver, with surgery often being not an option due to the nature of the tumors. With a heavy heart, Bozena learned that only about 5,500 cases of this cancer had been documented in the U.S. over several decades—making it both rare and perilous.

On April 3rd, however, everything changed. Bozena became a trailblazer as the first patient to receive the Hepzato Kit treatment at Northwestern Medicine. This innovative approach allows chemotherapy to be administered directly to the liver, significantly reducing side effects commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy. Dr. Sunandana Chandra, the medical director for melanoma at the hospital, emphasized that the therapy aims to prolong survival while ensuring a manageable quality of life for patients.

This non-invasive treatment involves isolating the blood supply to the liver through a series of tubes. For half an hour, doctors can inject the chemotherapy directly where it’s needed, and afterward, around 80% of the drugs can be filtered out, sparing the rest of the body from harsh side effects. What followed for Bozena was nothing short of miraculous: after just two rounds of treatment, her tumors shrank by an impressive 50%.

In her previous life as a nurse, Bozena cared for many patients, including those facing similar battles. Reflecting on her own experience, she joyfully shared, “I have energy. I have no pain. I don’t have any nausea or vomiting like other patients.” It’s as if the treatment has gifted her a new lease on life.

With her spirits lifted, Bozena is now geared up to return to her garden, engage in more travel, and spend cherished moments with her two sons. She has embraced a future filled with hope and resilience, and her remarkable journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for many.

Let’s celebrate Bozena’s groundbreaking journey and her story of triumph! Together, we can share this message of hope and the remarkable advances in cancer treatment.