A Journey of Illness and Friendship
Louise Carpino, a 59-year-old American tourist, never imagined that her trip to London would lead to a life-changing diagnosis. During her visit, she began experiencing a bloated belly, which she initially dismissed as something minor. However, her health quickly deteriorated, leading her to seek medical attention at the emergency department in London.
Upon examination, doctors discovered fluid in her abdomen, which later revealed that she had ovarian cancer that had spread to her intestines. This shocking discovery forced her to return home to Philadelphia, where she received the devastating news of her diagnosis.
The journey back to the United States was not without its challenges. Louise’s attempt to travel in comfort ended in frustration when airline staff refused to let her board the plane after she showed them her hospital notes, hoping for an upgrade. Instead, she was deemed unfit to fly and was “kicked off” the plane. This left her with no choice but to purchase a new ticket with a different airline to make it home in time to see her GP.
Since her diagnosis, Louise has been unable to work and has started chemotherapy. Her friend, Afshin Feiz, from Kentish Town, in northwest London, has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover her bills during this difficult time. The fundraiser aims to support Louise through her treatment, covering living expenses and medical-related costs.
Mr Feiz described the events that led to Louise’s diagnosis. He recalled how, during her holiday in London in March, Louise began complaining about feeling extremely bloated. Initially, he didn’t take it seriously, thinking she had just eaten too much. However, as her symptoms worsened, she decided to go to the emergency department.
At the hospital, a scan revealed fluid in her abdomen, and doctors advised her to seek urgent medical attention upon returning home. Unfortunately, the ordeal continued when she faced difficulties at the airport. She called Mr Feiz, explaining that the airline had refused to let her board the plane and had not refunded her ticket. She had hoped to get an upgrade by showing the doctor’s letter from A&E, but instead, she was told she was unfit to fly and was removed from the plane.
Once back in Philadelphia, Louise saw her doctor, who confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian cancer that had spread to her intestines. Mr Feiz said that Louise was devastated, crying and upset, as she had thought it was just a bloated belly with no indication of anything more serious.
The pair met during Louise’s holiday in London in 2016, and they have remained close friends ever since. Louise, who dreams of living in the capital, flies to the UK every few years to visit friends. Mr Feiz described her as a vibrant and kind-hearted person, always there for others.
He added that the treatment has been traumatic for Louise, as she has already begun to lose her beautiful, thick red hair. For her, this is a significant loss, as her hair is a big part of her identity.
Mr Feiz shared how Louise is a character, loud and fun to be around. He mentioned that whenever she texts him, she names everyone she wants him to send love to, including his dog and the people she’s met through him during her visits every two to three years.
Even in the middle of her suffering, Louise continues to celebrate other people’s wins, showing her genuine care for those around her. She is an inherently good person who brings warmth wherever she goes.
So far, Mr Feiz has raised over £8,000 to support Louise. In addition, he has planned a 10k run around Hyde Park on May 30 to raise more funds for her.
His GoFundMe page states: “She is one of those rare people who truly shows up for others. She notices the small things, gives without expecting anything in return, and brings warmth wherever she goes.”
London became a special place for Louise. She saved hard-earned money for her first trip to Europe, and since then, she has returned every couple of years. Over time, they became close friends.
On her most recent visit, something unexpected happened. Louise suddenly became very unwell and had to go to hospital in London, where doctors found fluid in her abdomen and advised urgent follow-up when she returned home. Shortly after returning to Philadelphia, she received devastating news. Louise has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which has already spread to her intestines.
During this time, she will be unable to work and will be facing months without income, on top of everything else. This fundraiser is to help support Louise through the months ahead – covering living expenses, medical-related costs, and giving her some stability while she focuses on treatment and recovery.
