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The first time I heard my doctor say "cancer," I was twenty years old. For the first few minutes it felt like the walls were closing in on me. But then I knew it wouldn't be me. Couldn't be me. No one gets cancer in their twenties. Right? Seven vocal surgeries and a Stage III Laryngeal Cancer diagnosis later, I found that I was wrong. Apparently cancer can happen in your twenties. One week after your 24th birthday, to be precise.
Aside from the obvious fear and devastation cancer causes at any age, the biggest issue in dealing with cancer in your twenties is how unprepared we are for any catastrophic event. At this age, a bladder infection or broken arm can send you into a financial crisis. But then there's cancer. Cancer sends your hard-earned vacation savings to... evil bill collectors. Vacation savings are far out the window. I am now preparing for Chemo and Radiation Therapy, which also means taking an unknown amount of time off work (estimated to be at least three months - not exactly the kind of vacation I had envisioned).
I am here to ask for your help in my journey towards healing. My goal of raising $10,000 was initially inspired by a desire to attend the Living Foods Institute in Atlanta, GA. I was drawn to their 30-day program which teaches how to heal both your body and mind (trust me: get cancer and you will need mental help). Unfortunately, that $10,000 would not cover the costs of flights and housing for the 30 days I spent healing. While as a 24 year old, $10,000 sounds like a ton of money, for a cancer patient, that's a drop in the bucket. Though I would still love to attend the institute, after much thought and consideration, I have chosen to focus first on conventional treatment. To that end, any money raised here will go directly toward medical bills, and potentially help pay my cost of living while I am not able to work due to treatment. After chemo and radiation I will concentrate on detoxing my body from the harsh toxins of treatment.
Hopefully when this is a thing of the past - my medicals bills have been paid off and my cancer is long gone - I hope to thank every one of you that donated by doing beautiful things for the world. At 24, I have big plans and dreams for my second chance at a long, full life. Your support can help me get through the toughest obstacle of my life, so that someday I can help others do the same.
With thanks and love,
Hannah
Aside from the obvious fear and devastation cancer causes at any age, the biggest issue in dealing with cancer in your twenties is how unprepared we are for any catastrophic event. At this age, a bladder infection or broken arm can send you into a financial crisis. But then there's cancer. Cancer sends your hard-earned vacation savings to... evil bill collectors. Vacation savings are far out the window. I am now preparing for Chemo and Radiation Therapy, which also means taking an unknown amount of time off work (estimated to be at least three months - not exactly the kind of vacation I had envisioned).
I am here to ask for your help in my journey towards healing. My goal of raising $10,000 was initially inspired by a desire to attend the Living Foods Institute in Atlanta, GA. I was drawn to their 30-day program which teaches how to heal both your body and mind (trust me: get cancer and you will need mental help). Unfortunately, that $10,000 would not cover the costs of flights and housing for the 30 days I spent healing. While as a 24 year old, $10,000 sounds like a ton of money, for a cancer patient, that's a drop in the bucket. Though I would still love to attend the institute, after much thought and consideration, I have chosen to focus first on conventional treatment. To that end, any money raised here will go directly toward medical bills, and potentially help pay my cost of living while I am not able to work due to treatment. After chemo and radiation I will concentrate on detoxing my body from the harsh toxins of treatment.
Hopefully when this is a thing of the past - my medicals bills have been paid off and my cancer is long gone - I hope to thank every one of you that donated by doing beautiful things for the world. At 24, I have big plans and dreams for my second chance at a long, full life. Your support can help me get through the toughest obstacle of my life, so that someday I can help others do the same.
With thanks and love,
Hannah