Uniting for Amberly and Family
Donation protected
I asked Amberly to describe her situation, and here is what she provided. I have written my additional thoughts below.
On Monday, August 25th, doctors told me that I have breast cancer. But this painful journey started a long time ago. I could recount the emotional trips of both my grandmother and mother having breast cancer. Explain that even though I am only 37, I have had multiple mammograms because my mom's death from Breast cancer indicated that her children were at higher risk. But all of that is background.
This time last year we were getting my oldest ready to start seventh grade and took her to have her PE physical. The routine blood test revealed a very low iron level. Anemia that low can only be caused by bleeding. She was bleeding internally. We saw a specialist, and after a endoscopy, he confirmed she had peutz-jeghers. For PJS, cancer becomes when instead of if. She'll have several different cancer screenings every three years until she's eighteen and then yearly after that. It was scary and for awhile I was angry. Angry we hadn't known sooner. Angry that every doctor we saw we had to emphasize it's importance and explain what it means.
Like most Americans, we do our best to get by. Watching our budget but stretch tight enough that we had little savings. Our daughters medical costs depleted our reserves. Early this year, I started having symptons for internal bleeding and finally took the pain and bleeding seriously. I was genetically diagnosed with PJS in August, less than a week before being told I had breast cancer.
My two daughters, 13 and 11, are doing their best but it makes me cry to see the fear in their eyes. I'm having a double mastectomy not only to get rid of the cancer but to prevent that fear from returning.
For those who send prayers and well wishes, thank you. We'll make it through as a family.
Amberly Smith
Message from Codi:
Amberly is one of the strongest people I know. She is going through all of this, and still comes to work smiling and doing everything she can to not let any of the stress show. It's nothing short of incredible.
What Amberly didn't share is that she also has her mother-in-law living with her family. She has COPD and is on oxygen 24/7 and not able to work. Amberly's family supports her fully.
With all of this going on, the last thing we feel the Smith family should worry about it money. When Amberly has her surgery she will be on short term disability and only get a portion of her paycheck. It is a concern as to how they will pay the mortgage and make ends meet. Plus all of the medical expenses, usual bills, etc.
I would like to be able to tell her that she can just focus on her kids and husband, and beating this cancer. There are so many people who love her, and this is a good chance for us to all step up and support her at a time when she needs it most. Even if all you can donate is $5, every little bit helps. If you can't donate at all, please share this with everyone you can. I'd like to put to ease as much of the stress as we can.
Thank you all in advance for your support of Amberly and her incredible family. It is very appreciated by so many people.
** I'll also be coming up with some types of physical fundraising activities in the near future. If you have any ideas, or have something to donate (maybe to auction off?) please contact me at [email redacted] **
On Monday, August 25th, doctors told me that I have breast cancer. But this painful journey started a long time ago. I could recount the emotional trips of both my grandmother and mother having breast cancer. Explain that even though I am only 37, I have had multiple mammograms because my mom's death from Breast cancer indicated that her children were at higher risk. But all of that is background.
This time last year we were getting my oldest ready to start seventh grade and took her to have her PE physical. The routine blood test revealed a very low iron level. Anemia that low can only be caused by bleeding. She was bleeding internally. We saw a specialist, and after a endoscopy, he confirmed she had peutz-jeghers. For PJS, cancer becomes when instead of if. She'll have several different cancer screenings every three years until she's eighteen and then yearly after that. It was scary and for awhile I was angry. Angry we hadn't known sooner. Angry that every doctor we saw we had to emphasize it's importance and explain what it means.
Like most Americans, we do our best to get by. Watching our budget but stretch tight enough that we had little savings. Our daughters medical costs depleted our reserves. Early this year, I started having symptons for internal bleeding and finally took the pain and bleeding seriously. I was genetically diagnosed with PJS in August, less than a week before being told I had breast cancer.
My two daughters, 13 and 11, are doing their best but it makes me cry to see the fear in their eyes. I'm having a double mastectomy not only to get rid of the cancer but to prevent that fear from returning.
For those who send prayers and well wishes, thank you. We'll make it through as a family.
Amberly Smith
Message from Codi:
Amberly is one of the strongest people I know. She is going through all of this, and still comes to work smiling and doing everything she can to not let any of the stress show. It's nothing short of incredible.
What Amberly didn't share is that she also has her mother-in-law living with her family. She has COPD and is on oxygen 24/7 and not able to work. Amberly's family supports her fully.
With all of this going on, the last thing we feel the Smith family should worry about it money. When Amberly has her surgery she will be on short term disability and only get a portion of her paycheck. It is a concern as to how they will pay the mortgage and make ends meet. Plus all of the medical expenses, usual bills, etc.
I would like to be able to tell her that she can just focus on her kids and husband, and beating this cancer. There are so many people who love her, and this is a good chance for us to all step up and support her at a time when she needs it most. Even if all you can donate is $5, every little bit helps. If you can't donate at all, please share this with everyone you can. I'd like to put to ease as much of the stress as we can.
Thank you all in advance for your support of Amberly and her incredible family. It is very appreciated by so many people.
** I'll also be coming up with some types of physical fundraising activities in the near future. If you have any ideas, or have something to donate (maybe to auction off?) please contact me at [email redacted] **
Organiser
Codi Swensen McAuliffe
Organiser
Boise, ID
