Tanisha Needs Surgery

Tanisha "Nickie" Ray is one of the friends I most admire. All her life she has overcome obstacles, including raising two fine sons to adulthood by herself and overcoming a workplace injury that has forever limited her earning capacity. Since 2008, she has battled a disease that saps her strength and zaps her energy. Then six years ago she learned that she had developed a thyroid tumor. Years of biopsies and monitoring ensued, recently revealing that new, "sister" tumors that have developed are cancerous. She has now been told by three physicians that because the tumors are growing so rapidly, she must have her entire thyroid removed.

Tanisha endured the embarrassment of going to doctor's offices and the hospital system office to apply for indigent care grants. We were told everything was set for surgery September 21. But then Tanisha was told that she must pay her portion upfront before they can proceed!

Tanisha is at her weakest, most vulnerable right now while fighting to adapt to the physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges she faces. This is one battle she cannot face and conquer alone. We need to raise $12,000 to cover her expenses for this surgery. Tanisha's two sons and her faith community at CrossRoads United Methodist Church in Belton, MO are asking for a hand up in the form of a donation of any size--whatever God places on your heart--to help send Tanisha on her way to tackle her biggest hurdle yet: her cancerous tumors.

Thank you all for your gifts and your prayers. We'll keep you updated on Tanisha's condition and progress.