Jeannie's Cancer Fund
Hello friends & family,
My sister, Jeannie Carr-Hopper, was diagnosed with oral cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) on July 20, 2016. She is not only the most selflessly caring person I know, she is the mother of two adorable children (Violet, 5, and Jeremy, 8).
Please consider being part of the campaign of family, friends, colleagues, and good Samaritans who are rallying around her in support. If you know Jeannie, you know she is absolutely not the type to accept help, but this is a unique situation. Cancer treatment is a long and expensive process for anyone, but since she has not been at her new job for a full year yet, she does not qualify for medical leave. That means she will not be receiving pay and will lose her insurance benefits during her treatment & recovery if she cannot maintain the premiums out of pocket. While her colleagues and supervisors are working hard with HR to figure out alternative ways that they can help, Jeannie and her family are in a precarious and vulnerable position given that Jeannie is the sole source of income for her family of four, as her husband, Brian, is a stay-at-home dad.
Jeannie, her doctors, her family, and her friends are already springing into action: Jeannie will be traveling to MD Anderson in Houston, TX for extensive surgeries and medical care as early as next week. Flights, places to stay, childcare, and crucial emotional and financial support are all being organized now. When Jeannie gets to MD Anderson, the first step will be attacking the tumor, which will see at least 1/3 of her tongue removed. She will have skin from her forearm grafted onto her tongue to assist with its re-growth, leaving her unable to speak or swallow for at least two months. All this before potential radiation and chemotherapy even begin....
As you can see, Jeannie has a very, very tough road ahead of her. But you can help! It is impossible to know how long, painful, and expensive this process will be at this point. However, we have set up a goal of $30,000 as a place to start. All of the money raised here will be used solely for Jeannie's treatment and recovery. Any contribution that you can make would mean the world to all of us. We all want to see Jeannie healthy and strong again, as soon as possible. As I think my dad would say: “Let’s give cancer hell!”
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My sister, Jeannie Carr-Hopper, was diagnosed with oral cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) on July 20, 2016. She is not only the most selflessly caring person I know, she is the mother of two adorable children (Violet, 5, and Jeremy, 8).
Please consider being part of the campaign of family, friends, colleagues, and good Samaritans who are rallying around her in support. If you know Jeannie, you know she is absolutely not the type to accept help, but this is a unique situation. Cancer treatment is a long and expensive process for anyone, but since she has not been at her new job for a full year yet, she does not qualify for medical leave. That means she will not be receiving pay and will lose her insurance benefits during her treatment & recovery if she cannot maintain the premiums out of pocket. While her colleagues and supervisors are working hard with HR to figure out alternative ways that they can help, Jeannie and her family are in a precarious and vulnerable position given that Jeannie is the sole source of income for her family of four, as her husband, Brian, is a stay-at-home dad.
Jeannie, her doctors, her family, and her friends are already springing into action: Jeannie will be traveling to MD Anderson in Houston, TX for extensive surgeries and medical care as early as next week. Flights, places to stay, childcare, and crucial emotional and financial support are all being organized now. When Jeannie gets to MD Anderson, the first step will be attacking the tumor, which will see at least 1/3 of her tongue removed. She will have skin from her forearm grafted onto her tongue to assist with its re-growth, leaving her unable to speak or swallow for at least two months. All this before potential radiation and chemotherapy even begin....
As you can see, Jeannie has a very, very tough road ahead of her. But you can help! It is impossible to know how long, painful, and expensive this process will be at this point. However, we have set up a goal of $30,000 as a place to start. All of the money raised here will be used solely for Jeannie's treatment and recovery. Any contribution that you can make would mean the world to all of us. We all want to see Jeannie healthy and strong again, as soon as possible. As I think my dad would say: “Let’s give cancer hell!”
Update: I started radiation this week, and it will last 6 weeks. So far, it is not too bad, just super uncomfortable, but the side effects apparently take a week or two to show up. The super fun part is that I also start chemotherapy again today - surprise! Apparently it makes the radiation more effective and since it worked so well on me, they want to do it again. Here's hoping it is easier this time around!
Brian and I are so sad to leave the children for so long, but we know they are in good hands with my family. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am not with family, undergoing both radiation and chemotherapy, and feeling rather yucky, but I am still so thankful for the friends and family who hold me up, the amazing care and treatment I have received here at MD Anderson, and the fact that I am closer and closer to being cancer free! #teamjeannie #givingcancerhell
Oh, these pictures are from radiation - crazy, right!? That face cage thing is so tight and horrible.
Brian and I are so sad to leave the children for so long, but we know they are in good hands with my family. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am not with family, undergoing both radiation and chemotherapy, and feeling rather yucky, but I am still so thankful for the friends and family who hold me up, the amazing care and treatment I have received here at MD Anderson, and the fact that I am closer and closer to being cancer free! #teamjeannie #givingcancerhell
Oh, these pictures are from radiation - crazy, right!? That face cage thing is so tight and horrible.
God Bless You✝ . Although we have never met, I have known your Aunt Judy for years and am next door neighbors with the Wyricks, Emily's parents. I have kept you in my daily prayers and pray that God heals you quickly. Carol Cahill
Praying for you and your family.
You look beautiful! So happy to see this post because I have been thinking of you! Prayers that surgery will go great and you will be home with your precious family soon! Much Love Julie and Family!
We are all keeping you in our prayers sweet cousin! Love you! Julie
I kinda thought you looked really good in "ORANGE". Wishing you the very best and sending you prayers and hugs from Florida.
My husband was supposed to be very sick from chemo. He never was. I hope you find yourself in the same situation. Take your strength from others, they are more than happy to give it.
Praying for you and all the family every day, Jeannie! Thank you for sharing your updates so we know what to pray for. God bless you!! Susan (Jennie's mom)
You will beat this, Jeannie. The odds are in your favor! Stay strong and know that loads of people are rooting and praying for you.
Good Luck Jeannie!!! I am Collin Bruner's Mom, I will be praying for you!