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Appeal: Film star Karen Black has turned to the public to help fund a treatment trip to Europe
The 73-year-old star, who was Oscar-nominated for her signature role opposite Jack Nicholson, was diagnosed with ampullary cancer in November 2010 and had a third of her pancreas immediately removed.
It was thought she had beat the disease after being declared cancer free in 2011, but it has emerged she had a relapse has underwent two more operations in the last year for growths near her lungs and lower back.
Writing on the Help Karen Beat Cancer blog on the GoFundMe website her husband Stephen Eckelberry wrote she is now 'mostly bed-bound' and down to 96 pounds after having treatment
The couple are asking for donations to fund a two-month experimental treatment in Europe.
Explaining their financial predicament, he said: 'Yes, she was an actress in movies, but most of the high-paying work dwindled out many years ago.
'She has a modest pension and medical insurance (thank goodness), but as anyone knows who has fought cancer, that is not enough.
'In the last two years we have used up all of our savings keeping Karen alive – traveling – treatments, getting people to help her.
'We have nothing left. And the European treatment is not covered by insurance.'
Mr Eckelberry assured readers that the money would be going to a good cause that is her last hope.
He said: 'This is a medically supervised program and it targets Karen's kind of cancer.
Appeal: The Help Karen Beat Cancer page has already exceeded beyond the family's expectations
'In the last two years we have used up all of our savings keeping Karen alive.
'Your contribution will cover travel, living and treatment expenses for two months and will give Karen a chance.'
It has already proven to be a massive success, as they have already received more than $40,000, more than the $35,000 they were asking for.
Star turn: She is best known for Oscar-nominated turn opposite Jack Nicholson in 1970's Five Easy Pieces
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