A New Era of Treatment: Gene Therapy
My name is Denise Delatorre, and while my journey with cancer began like many others—with fear, countless appointments, and the exhaustion of traditional treatments—it took a turn that offered me not just hope, but a real future. I was honored to be the very first patient at UCLA Health to receive CAR T-cell therapy in a clinical trial (Yescarta), a revolutionary first-of-its-kind cellular therapy that felt like science fiction rather than reality.
When Standard Options Run Out
My battle against an aggressive form of blood cancer lasted months, but those months felt like an eternity. Traditional chemotherapy had failed, despite multiple attempts and months of treatment, including two separate hospitalizations where I underwent 96 hours of straight, non-stop infusions.
The failure of every conventional treatment meant the cancer prevailed, and I was sent home with no hope of survival. The reality was stark: my time was running out, and I only had months to live. This urgency spurred me into action.
Driven to find an alternative, I started doing my own research and found a key article in the LA Times about a company called Kite Pharma and a promising cellular therapy. I didn't wait; I immediately called UCLA to inquire about the clinical trial for CAR T-cell therapy—an entirely new approach that offered one last hope.
I was ultimately able to take part in this revolutionary, first-of-its-kind clinical trial. The profound concept involved separating my own T-cells (the body's natural fighters) from my blood, genetically re-engineering them in a lab to create supercharged, cancer-attacking T-cells, and then infusing them back into my body. This literally harnessed the power of my own immune system to win the war against the disease.
The Day That Everything Changed
The process was a partnership between myself, Kite Pharma, and the incredible team at UCLA. First, they collected my T-cells—a procedure similar to donating plasma. Then came the waiting period while my cells were sent off to be transformed and grown in a lab by the millions.
Finally, the big day arrived for the infusion. It was a moment charged with emotion. I wasn't receiving drugs; I was receiving my own, super-charged T cells. It wasn't a quick fix, and the recovery required intense monitoring and care, but every minute felt worthwhile because I knew I was part of something historic.
I can't say enough about the doctors, nurses, and researchers at Kite Pharma and UCLA. They treated me not just as a patient, but as a person, a pioneer, and a partner in this medical breakthrough. Their commitment to exploring cutting-edge treatments like CAR T is why I'm here today.
A New Life A New Mission
Today, I am thriving. To be able to say I've beaten back the cancer that had overshadowed my life for so long is a miracle. And as the first CAR T patient at UCLA, I feel a responsibility to share my story.
That’s why I created California Cancer Connection. My journey showed me how critical it is to connect patients with information about new and available therapies, especially when they feel like they’ve hit a dead end and lost all hope. Whether you're considering CAR T Therapy, looking for a clinical trial, or just seeking peer support, this website is built on the belief that knowledge is power and connection is healing.
My re-engineered CAR T-cells gave me a fighting chance; I hope sharing my story empowers you to seek and find your own breakthrough. Thank you for letting me share this deeply personal journey.
Welcome to the California Cancer Connection!
A Pioneer's Journey: Laurie Adami's Triumph Over Cancer
Laurie Adami's Triumph Over Cancer
Laurie Adami’s story is not just one of survival; it is a profound testament to relentless hope, cutting-edge science, and the powerful bond formed when one survivor inspires another. Having spent 12 years in a continuous battle against an "incurable" blood cancer, Laurie found the breakthrough she needed, leading her to a new mission—one that she now shares with fellow advocate, Denise Delatorre.
The 12-Year Fight: A Mother's Motivation
Laurie’s fight began in 2006 with a devastating diagnosis: Stage IV Follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. At just 46 years old, she was told she had an incurable blood cancer. Yet, driven by the profound love and responsibility she felt for her son, Laurie committed herself to enduring.
For over a decade, she faced an exhausting cycle of treatment. She underwent six different lines of therapy, each one a grueling attempt to push back the relentless disease. Throughout these 12 years, her spirit was tested, but her motivation—her son—remained the unwavering light guiding her through every challenge and setback. She was determined to be there for him, no matter the odds.
The Breakthrough: The CAR T-Cell Frontier
By 2018, Laurie's disease had become aggressive, manifesting as an extensive tumor burden estimated to be nearly eight pounds. With conventional treatments exhausted, she turned to a highly promising, yet still experimental, frontier: CAR T-cell therapy.
Laurie enrolled in a Phase 2 clinical trial for CAR T-cell therapy (Yescarta) at UCLA. As Laurie was undergoing preparations and waiting to enter her own trial, she heard about Denise Delatorre, a beacon of hope as the first-ever CAR T-cell patient at UCLA. Denise's trailblazing story of success provided immediate inspiration and a tangible reason for Laurie to believe in the potential of the therapy she was about to receive.
The treatment was intense. The process, which involves genetically reprogramming a patient's own T-cells to find and destroy cancer, brought with it severe side effects, including Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. It was a perilous journey, but the result was nothing short of miraculous. Just 29 days after the infusion, Laurie achieved complete remission—No Evidence of Disease (NED).
A Shared Mission: Hope, Inspiration, and Advocacy
Now, over seven years later, Laurie is cancer-free and has been told she is cured.
Today, Laurie Adami fully dedicates her time to patient advocacy and mentoring others. As a true CAR T-Cell Pioneer, her core message is clear and powerful: never give up, and always explore clinical trials. She is a living example of the transformative potential of cell and gene therapy, a powerful voice urging patients and their families to push the boundaries of current care. Together with Denise, Laurie is lighting the path forward, ensuring that every cancer patient knows the extraordinary power of hope and the possibilities waiting in the next generation of cancer treatment.