At no point did I ever think I would have to write something like this for my best friend, as we never think something like this could ever happen.  Well, here I am giving it a shot and trying to provide as much support and assistance to my best friend that I can.  So, here it goes…   It was mid October 2019 when Renata started feeling sluggish, more tired and not up to full speed, like she usually was.  She was basically extremely exhausted, but still living her normal life as a single mom, working her full-time job, staying busy, etc. As weeks went on, she started noticing changes in her body.  Her hips started hurting so bad to the point she was having a hard time walking.  She would get a little relief by icing them and taking a bath.  But Renata never gave it any thought, just assuming it was normal day to day aches and pains.   As time went on and her symptoms didn’t get any better, Renata decided to call the doctor the week of December 16, 2019 and make an appointment.  She decided it would be better to make the appointment for the full women’s wellness exam, as she hadn’t had one in a while, so she set it up for December 19, 2019.   Renata went in to her appointment, with no worries, just doing the normal thing women need to do.  However, shortly after her exam began, Renata knew something was very wrong when she looked around the room and saw two doctors and a couple nurses around her.  As she laid there, all alone, with no support (because who brings someone with them to an exam, right) her doctor informed her that they would need to take several vaginal biopsies as they were 100% certain she had cancer and it was possibly the worst thing they had ever seen.  Renata, completely speechless, thought, “Is this really happening to me?”  The doctors proceeded to tell her that they would be sending the biopsies to the Mayo Clinic and she would hear back in a couple of weeks, if not sooner.   Leaving the doctor’s office that day, Renata felt like it was the absolute worst day of her life.  Not only was she just told that she has cancer and knew it was bad, she had a million questions in her head but had to wait for all the answers.  As days followed, Renata, confided in family and friends about her doctor appointment and her experience.  Since her appointment she had been in a huge amount of pain due to the biopsies that they had taken from inside and outside of her female area. The day had come.  On December 26, 2019 Renata finally got the phone call with her results; Inflamed Vulvar Mucosa, showing VIN 2-3, Upper Labia and Left Labial Mass, showing Infiltrating Squamous Cell Carcinoma.  As you’re reading this, you are probably thinking what is this, or what does this mean?  In simple terms, this is basically saying that she has vaginal cancer, inside and out.  Renata was told that the next step would be waiting for the Mayo Clinic to call and make an appointment for surgery as she will need it as soon as possible.       A few days had gone by and the Mayo Clinic called Renata asking several questions. These questions pertained mostly to the endless subject; insurance.  Well, Renata not having insurance, and being able to get affordable insurance, was told that she would need a down payment of $5,000.00 before she could have the surgery.  I know there may be some of you out there that have never heard of this before, but this is one of the requirements of the Mayo Clinic and the Mayo is the ONLY place that is able to perform the surgery Renata needs.   Renata’s next appointment, at the Mayo Clinic, is on January 17, 2020 for a consult with her doctor.  They will be discussing the surgery, and possibly chemo as well as radiation.  They won’t know what she will need for treatment until they do the surgery as that is when they will find out what stage of cancer it is.   Renata is currently in the process of trying to get insurance or any assistance, however, with her needing the surgery as soon as possible, I have decided to do all I can to help her in the meantime.  She will be out of work for several weeks after her surgery so after the $5,000.00 is paid towards the Mayo Clinic, the rest of the funds will go towards help paying for current medical bills, personal bills, medications, gas for getting back and forth from the Mayo Clinic or whatever else she may need. At this time, I sincerely ask that you please keep Renata in your thoughts and prayers as she goes down this difficult road.    Renata is someone who is so full of life, even on her worst days she tries to smile and remain positive.  She has a big heart and does anything she can to help everyone, and this is our chance to help her get through this difficult time. I want to thank you so much for your contributions and continued prayers and support.  I will provide an update after Renata’s appointment on January 17, 2020. Sincerely, Ashley Henderson