Alexis Rochefort's Cancer Fight
Donation protected
Starting a GoFundMe page is not something anyone really wants to do. To ask others for help isn't always the easiest thing, and it is often even more difficult knowing that there is always someone worse off then you who also needs help. However, given everything that my sister Alexis has been through in her life, I feel compelled and willing to ask all of her lifelong friends, family and fellow dog-lovers to consider why she could use a little less worry on her mind, especially now as she begins her fight against Stage 2 Breast Cancer.
"It's the life in your years, not the years in your life"
A quote that really means so much, especially in Alexis's case. Many of you are familiar with all that she has been through, especially in the last ten years, but for those that aren't, let me share her story.
Alexis had already been fighting a battle against sometimes debilitating Crohn's Disease since she was 16. For those that are familiar with Crohn's, you know that it is an autoimmune disease that affects the intestines and joints and that, when active, can cause many missed days of work or school because of severe stomach pain and GI issues, that can often lead to other ailments such as a weakened immune system, malnutrition and dehydration. Still, Alexis managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Providence College and create a niche career for herself as a Copywriter in Marketing Communications as she fought through each day.
A girl who always believed in true love and had a life-long dream of becoming a mother, Alexis was married in her twenties, only to experience heartbreak beyond words through an unexpected and extremely difficult divorce that forever changed her life. After that, she was diagnosed with PTSD, and suffered years of heavy anxiety and depression, which lead to her need to pause her career and life, and allow our parents to take care of her. What successful adult concedes to this without sacrificing so much pride? But she knew, and we knew, it was going to be a long road to her recovery. She made a drastic attempt to take her own life that resulted in her losing the ability to use her right leg. While learning how to walk again, she found Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and completely was able to heal her mind. Thankfully, she made a full recovery and was ready to start anew, stronger than ever.
My oldest sister, who I used to admire whole heartedly as I sat outside her bedroom when I was younger watching her dress for dance recitals and I would imagine she was a magical princess. Well, I want her to know I admire her again, more than I ever have. I want her to be able to enjoy watching her niece dance around in those very same costumes she once wore with passion.
Finally, in 2014 she moved to Salem, MA (after a burst appendix nearly derailed her) to be independent, live on her own, and pursue her life-long passion of working as a Certified Dog Trainer. She has been more physically fit and mentally healthy in the past two years than I’ve ever seen her! And she exudes happiness. Even though she dreaded turning 40, she made the most of it by celebrating with me and with her friends!
She was really at peace with herself. I had finally gotten my sister back, one I could talk to and one who wanted to listen, laugh and brush off anything that was going to bring her down. Then I was the first person to get the call when she heard this most devastating news.
I could go on and on, but I will leave you with this. My sister, while she has gotten stronger, is still vulnerable to any blows. To be diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer, out of the blue, with NO family history, and after having been through all she has fought through already ... It has left so many of us utterly speechless. Alexis is beautiful and strong, and while I know she will beat this, I also know that her bills and basic living expenses as well as medical co-pays are already weighing heavy on her mind. I don't want anything in the way of her healing. She has started chemo already will undergo that until December, and then surgery and radiation thereafter, followed by a year of additional treatments. She is hopeful that she will find her groove through all this and be maybe be able to still work a little, but one never knows. So many have asked what they can do, and I know any little bit will help.
Thank you all in advance for your generosity and love! Alexis is someone who never gives up on others, and has maintained friendships throughout her entire life, which she values more than anything.
Sincerely,
Regina
"It's the life in your years, not the years in your life"
A quote that really means so much, especially in Alexis's case. Many of you are familiar with all that she has been through, especially in the last ten years, but for those that aren't, let me share her story.
Alexis had already been fighting a battle against sometimes debilitating Crohn's Disease since she was 16. For those that are familiar with Crohn's, you know that it is an autoimmune disease that affects the intestines and joints and that, when active, can cause many missed days of work or school because of severe stomach pain and GI issues, that can often lead to other ailments such as a weakened immune system, malnutrition and dehydration. Still, Alexis managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Providence College and create a niche career for herself as a Copywriter in Marketing Communications as she fought through each day.
A girl who always believed in true love and had a life-long dream of becoming a mother, Alexis was married in her twenties, only to experience heartbreak beyond words through an unexpected and extremely difficult divorce that forever changed her life. After that, she was diagnosed with PTSD, and suffered years of heavy anxiety and depression, which lead to her need to pause her career and life, and allow our parents to take care of her. What successful adult concedes to this without sacrificing so much pride? But she knew, and we knew, it was going to be a long road to her recovery. She made a drastic attempt to take her own life that resulted in her losing the ability to use her right leg. While learning how to walk again, she found Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and completely was able to heal her mind. Thankfully, she made a full recovery and was ready to start anew, stronger than ever.
My oldest sister, who I used to admire whole heartedly as I sat outside her bedroom when I was younger watching her dress for dance recitals and I would imagine she was a magical princess. Well, I want her to know I admire her again, more than I ever have. I want her to be able to enjoy watching her niece dance around in those very same costumes she once wore with passion.
Finally, in 2014 she moved to Salem, MA (after a burst appendix nearly derailed her) to be independent, live on her own, and pursue her life-long passion of working as a Certified Dog Trainer. She has been more physically fit and mentally healthy in the past two years than I’ve ever seen her! And she exudes happiness. Even though she dreaded turning 40, she made the most of it by celebrating with me and with her friends!
She was really at peace with herself. I had finally gotten my sister back, one I could talk to and one who wanted to listen, laugh and brush off anything that was going to bring her down. Then I was the first person to get the call when she heard this most devastating news.
I could go on and on, but I will leave you with this. My sister, while she has gotten stronger, is still vulnerable to any blows. To be diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer, out of the blue, with NO family history, and after having been through all she has fought through already ... It has left so many of us utterly speechless. Alexis is beautiful and strong, and while I know she will beat this, I also know that her bills and basic living expenses as well as medical co-pays are already weighing heavy on her mind. I don't want anything in the way of her healing. She has started chemo already will undergo that until December, and then surgery and radiation thereafter, followed by a year of additional treatments. She is hopeful that she will find her groove through all this and be maybe be able to still work a little, but one never knows. So many have asked what they can do, and I know any little bit will help.
Thank you all in advance for your generosity and love! Alexis is someone who never gives up on others, and has maintained friendships throughout her entire life, which she values more than anything.
Sincerely,
Regina
Organizer and beneficiary
Regina Shirley
Organizer
Newburyport, MA
Alexis Rochefort
Beneficiary
