Her Fight Is Our Fight

Getting diagnosed with stage llB Hodgkin's Lymphoma is at age 24 was terrifying. My family was finally getting back to some normalcy after watching my grandfather battle this terrible disease and lose his fight. Getting this news in December 2016 shook us all over again. My doctors immediately scheduled surgery to try to remove the infected lymphnode in my neck, but unfortunately they couldn't get it all. The next step was to begin an aggressive ABVD (chemotherapy) treatment in February 2017 to try to shrink the infected lymphnodes in my neck and chest where the cancer spread to. Although, due to the risk of destroying my veins I had a second surgery to insert a port in my chest to administer the treatments. At the end of my chemotherapy this summer I will also endure radiation treatment to again try to shrink the infected lymphnodes. After being healthy my whole life until now it is surreal to constantly be entering Yale Smilow Cancer Center for my own treatment.

I am trying to be strong and put on a brave face for my family but this journey has been harder than I let on. I know I will get through this stronger on the other side because of the amazing support I have had from my family, boyfriend, and friends.

This journey has been emotionally, physically and financially draining for me and my family, and due to the horrible impact the side effects has had on me, I have barely been able to work part time. I am not typically one to ask for help but this year has been especially hard for my family, for other reasons too. We are at risk of losing out house, and have personal bills are piling up.

Needing to ask for help with all of these costs, when usually I am the one offering the help is extremely difficult for me. I try to help others as often as I can, but now I am the one asking for the help. Every donation, no matter how big or small counts and every positive thought sent my way is more than appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and donations. Please share!!

-Christina