Care for Kiersten
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Care for Kiersten. Last updated on 9/16/19
I'm no doctor, and I don't know a whole lot about CANCER except that it keeps affecting my loved ones, and the loved ones of others around me. Chances are that you too know someone, or know someone who knows someone whose lives have been changed by this malicious disease.
Scroll down for updates!! Last updated on 9/16/19
Raising Funds for Rides!!! We need your help now more than ever.
It's been a little while since we've posted, but since the last communications, a lot has transpired. Kiersten underwent a biopsy procedure on her brain tumor the week after I left Texas. The results were not what we were hoping for, but explain a lot of the symptoms she's been experiencing. The last rounds of chemo that she received may have kept a couple of the recurring tumors at bay, but another, very aggressive tumor has grown to a rather large size and is at a very advanced stage.
Kiersten will need radiation and chemo therapy beginning in the next week or so. These appointments will be daily and for a few months at least.
We've called just about every resource we can as far as rides go and there is just not enough services in her area. If we had someone who could drive her and walk her safely in that would be ideal.
Currently, the only option she has is to take an uber or a taxi cab to and from these appointments which adds up. We're hoping to raise some funds for her transportation.
If you'd like to contribute in another way or know of resources in the Dallas area please feel free to contact me directly.
Cards, artwork and other items are also welcome. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.
Much love,
Talia and Kierstan
Check out the Care for Kiersten Facebook Support Group! Leave your messages for Kiersten, or post your favorite butterfly photos there!
Please help me assist my long time friend Kiersten, who is undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
Those of you who know me, know that I don't often ask for help. Today I ask for yours on behalf of the very first friend I made when I moved to Arizona. We were in the 9th grade together, as well as neighbors. I cherish the fact that we still talk nearly every day.
Yes, we are asking for donations, but if you'd like to contribute in another way or know of resources in the Dallas area, please feel free to contact me directly. There is more info on this towards the end. We greatly appreciate your support in any shape or form, and hope that you will help spread the word about the Care for Kiersten Campaign.
Kiersten is one of the funniest, most loving and giving people I have ever known. She is a fierce survivor if I've ever met one. She has had an ongoing battle with cancer ever since she was a young child. At age 11 she was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma , brain cancer. She's underwent numerous tests, surgeries, and treatments over the years for cancer and she has won several battles. Her scars are many, but this war unfortunately is not over.
Recently, she was diagnosed with a recurrence of her childhood astrocytoma. She was prescribed and received 6 chemotherapy treatments. While it seems to be killing some of the cancer, other parts are continuing to grow. They've determined this week that she will need further treatment to combat the new growth and will continue to receive chemo beginning on the 29th of May.
Kiersten has a small network of people who are doing everything in our power to help, but it's not always enough. That's why we come to you, our family, friends and strangers in kind to ask for your help. We are trying to raise enough funds and resources for Kiersten while she is fighting the good fight, to alleviate the worry of not being able to afford treatment, and things necessary for her recovery.
I've asked Kiersten to help me tell her story:
"On July 23rd of '92 I was taken to Children's hospital for emergency care where I was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma.
Her treatments included brain surgery followed by radiation. "After I went in for my 1st brain surgery, they told me it was inoperable. The doctor swore chemo would not work, and so they tried radiation, which did seem to work." But the treatment left Kiersten over radiated. "The doctors told me, I wouldn't live till I was 15. I am 38. I have never had the pleasure of driving because cancer destroyed my coordination. Unfortunately I need help to walk now. When I was a child they put a shunt into my head that drained my brain liquid. That's since calcified and rotted. I outlived their timeline and every day I wake thankful for another. "
"I have developed more malignancies since and have had 9 surgeries. I had my yearly MRI 3 months ago, when I found out that my childhood cancer has returned. My oncologist called me and said, 'Go see a brain surgeon, now!' Children's told me when I was 17, it was probably a cyst. The scans show that my other tumors have also grown."
"I am currently doing chemo. It has killed some cancer cells but, they can't stop it from growing and we'll have to figure something else out. I do know I have an army that fights with prayers for me. Giving up is not an option. Please help me win my battle."
The Immediate costs we are trying to cover are:
- Medical copays - Update: We've put $200 towards this out of the remaining proceeds thus far. Our next big expense is to have her Mediport removed which will be $300-$400, and then the MRI to check on the progress of her treatment. We're waiting to find out her out of pocket costs for this at this time. 6/1/19.
- Safe and reliable transportation to treatments and appointments - Update: American Cancer Society has provided Kiersten with 10 free round trips to her appointments. We used the first one for her chemo appointment on May 29. Thank you Cowboy Cab! <3
- Prescriptions and health supplements - Update: We purchased some Slippery Elm Bark to help combat stomach upset and diarrhea, two common side effects of Chemo Therapy. Kiersten has a hearty regimen of supplements and vitamins that she takes to help naturally alleviate the side effects of her illnesses. The doctors comment on how good her blood work looks. We think its a lot to do with the help of supplements.
- A walker/rollator to help Kiersten with mobility outside her home - Update: We used some of the money raised to purchase a walker for Kiersten which she has received and is very thankful for. It's perfect for helping her to stay active.
- Clothes as she loses weight from chemotherapy - Update: We used some of the funds to purchase 2 new pairs of pants from Amazon. Thank you! Kiersten's weight is holding fast at 83 lbs!
- Haircuts and personal care
Help us reach our goal of $3500 by sharing the Care for Kiersten campaign.
All funds raised will be used to cover Kiersten's medical, transportation, and cost of living expenses. It will also be used to purchase gift cards to Walmart, her local grocery store and pharmacy.
If you'd like to contribute in another way or know of resources in the Dallas area please feel free to contact me directly.
Cards, artwork and other items are also welcome. Kiersten loves butterflies. In the event you have some hip gently used clothing that a 38 year old might like, her clothing sizes right now are:
Tops: Girls size 12 or Large
Pants: Girls size 12
Dresses: Girls size 10-12
Shoes: Women's size 4
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and genuinely appreciate your Care for Kiersten!
I'm no doctor, and I don't know a whole lot about CANCER except that it keeps affecting my loved ones, and the loved ones of others around me. Chances are that you too know someone, or know someone who knows someone whose lives have been changed by this malicious disease.
Scroll down for updates!! Last updated on 9/16/19
Raising Funds for Rides!!! We need your help now more than ever.
It's been a little while since we've posted, but since the last communications, a lot has transpired. Kiersten underwent a biopsy procedure on her brain tumor the week after I left Texas. The results were not what we were hoping for, but explain a lot of the symptoms she's been experiencing. The last rounds of chemo that she received may have kept a couple of the recurring tumors at bay, but another, very aggressive tumor has grown to a rather large size and is at a very advanced stage.
Kiersten will need radiation and chemo therapy beginning in the next week or so. These appointments will be daily and for a few months at least.
We've called just about every resource we can as far as rides go and there is just not enough services in her area. If we had someone who could drive her and walk her safely in that would be ideal.
Currently, the only option she has is to take an uber or a taxi cab to and from these appointments which adds up. We're hoping to raise some funds for her transportation.
If you'd like to contribute in another way or know of resources in the Dallas area please feel free to contact me directly.
Cards, artwork and other items are also welcome. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.
Much love,
Talia and Kierstan
Check out the Care for Kiersten Facebook Support Group! Leave your messages for Kiersten, or post your favorite butterfly photos there!
Please help me assist my long time friend Kiersten, who is undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
Those of you who know me, know that I don't often ask for help. Today I ask for yours on behalf of the very first friend I made when I moved to Arizona. We were in the 9th grade together, as well as neighbors. I cherish the fact that we still talk nearly every day.
Yes, we are asking for donations, but if you'd like to contribute in another way or know of resources in the Dallas area, please feel free to contact me directly. There is more info on this towards the end. We greatly appreciate your support in any shape or form, and hope that you will help spread the word about the Care for Kiersten Campaign.
Kiersten is one of the funniest, most loving and giving people I have ever known. She is a fierce survivor if I've ever met one. She has had an ongoing battle with cancer ever since she was a young child. At age 11 she was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma , brain cancer. She's underwent numerous tests, surgeries, and treatments over the years for cancer and she has won several battles. Her scars are many, but this war unfortunately is not over.
Recently, she was diagnosed with a recurrence of her childhood astrocytoma. She was prescribed and received 6 chemotherapy treatments. While it seems to be killing some of the cancer, other parts are continuing to grow. They've determined this week that she will need further treatment to combat the new growth and will continue to receive chemo beginning on the 29th of May.
Kiersten has a small network of people who are doing everything in our power to help, but it's not always enough. That's why we come to you, our family, friends and strangers in kind to ask for your help. We are trying to raise enough funds and resources for Kiersten while she is fighting the good fight, to alleviate the worry of not being able to afford treatment, and things necessary for her recovery.
I've asked Kiersten to help me tell her story:
"On July 23rd of '92 I was taken to Children's hospital for emergency care where I was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma.
Her treatments included brain surgery followed by radiation. "After I went in for my 1st brain surgery, they told me it was inoperable. The doctor swore chemo would not work, and so they tried radiation, which did seem to work." But the treatment left Kiersten over radiated. "The doctors told me, I wouldn't live till I was 15. I am 38. I have never had the pleasure of driving because cancer destroyed my coordination. Unfortunately I need help to walk now. When I was a child they put a shunt into my head that drained my brain liquid. That's since calcified and rotted. I outlived their timeline and every day I wake thankful for another. "
"I have developed more malignancies since and have had 9 surgeries. I had my yearly MRI 3 months ago, when I found out that my childhood cancer has returned. My oncologist called me and said, 'Go see a brain surgeon, now!' Children's told me when I was 17, it was probably a cyst. The scans show that my other tumors have also grown."
"I am currently doing chemo. It has killed some cancer cells but, they can't stop it from growing and we'll have to figure something else out. I do know I have an army that fights with prayers for me. Giving up is not an option. Please help me win my battle."
The Immediate costs we are trying to cover are:
- Medical copays - Update: We've put $200 towards this out of the remaining proceeds thus far. Our next big expense is to have her Mediport removed which will be $300-$400, and then the MRI to check on the progress of her treatment. We're waiting to find out her out of pocket costs for this at this time. 6/1/19.
- Safe and reliable transportation to treatments and appointments - Update: American Cancer Society has provided Kiersten with 10 free round trips to her appointments. We used the first one for her chemo appointment on May 29. Thank you Cowboy Cab! <3
- Prescriptions and health supplements - Update: We purchased some Slippery Elm Bark to help combat stomach upset and diarrhea, two common side effects of Chemo Therapy. Kiersten has a hearty regimen of supplements and vitamins that she takes to help naturally alleviate the side effects of her illnesses. The doctors comment on how good her blood work looks. We think its a lot to do with the help of supplements.
- A walker/rollator to help Kiersten with mobility outside her home - Update: We used some of the money raised to purchase a walker for Kiersten which she has received and is very thankful for. It's perfect for helping her to stay active.
- Clothes as she loses weight from chemotherapy - Update: We used some of the funds to purchase 2 new pairs of pants from Amazon. Thank you! Kiersten's weight is holding fast at 83 lbs!
- Haircuts and personal care
Help us reach our goal of $3500 by sharing the Care for Kiersten campaign.
All funds raised will be used to cover Kiersten's medical, transportation, and cost of living expenses. It will also be used to purchase gift cards to Walmart, her local grocery store and pharmacy.
If you'd like to contribute in another way or know of resources in the Dallas area please feel free to contact me directly.
Cards, artwork and other items are also welcome. Kiersten loves butterflies. In the event you have some hip gently used clothing that a 38 year old might like, her clothing sizes right now are:
Tops: Girls size 12 or Large
Pants: Girls size 12
Dresses: Girls size 10-12
Shoes: Women's size 4
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and genuinely appreciate your Care for Kiersten!
Organizer
Talia Lipskind
Organizer
Seagoville, TX
