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Hello,
Though it’s been almost 2 years since I’ve posted anything personal on social media, I wanted to reach out now to share a little about my journey, and hopefully to inspire you to action and help me support others in need.
On the week of my birthday in November 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, it was exactly one year since my last mammogram, so it was caught early and I had some time to make informed decisions about my treatment. With all the new tests available, a world-class medical team to rely on, as well as the unapparelled support of my family and close friends, I was laser focused on getting cancer free. After multiple biopsies, MRIs, ultrasounds, and blood work, I ultimately decided on a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I am so very grateful to say that I’m officially cancer free and working towards my recovery in 2020.
Since my diagnosis I did not ask once, “why me?”. I know that sounds strange, but during every step of the way I had my sister Pearl by my side, a family that let me live with them, that drove, fed and cleaned me everyday when I could not do those things for myself, life-long friends that cooked, visited, sent care packages, texts, cards, etc., a great job with benefits and amazing colleagues who turned into my extended family, and of course the spiritual faith needed to get me through some dark times. Since the cancer was diagnosed early and I was very aggressive with my surgeries, I did not have to do chemo or radiation. When I think back on all these blessings, all I could think was, “I’m glad it was me” as I had the emotional, financial, and medical resources to #fuckbreastcancer. During this time I often thought of others who may be fighting this battle without this bounty of loving support.
Which brings me to this Go Fund Me page and why I am here.
Please meet Esther “Estie” Palomino. Estie is a family friend and at the young age of 33, she too was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2019. She is just beginning her treatment and recovery journey and is ready for the challenge. Her entire life journey has been a fight. She has overcome being abandoned by her mother at a very young age, physically & sexually abused before she was a teenager and growing up in multiple foster homes. Despite all this, Estie grew up to be a thriving, productive citizen and worked to help law makers in San Diego pass AB490 – one of the first laws to help foster youth have a voice in their education.
However, on January 31, 2020 Estie lost her job – right in the middle of the fight of her life. Because of this sudden loss of income and benefits, she needs help with medical treatments/bills, and day to day living expenses like rent, food, gas, etc. Unfortunately, she does not have the resources or support that I am so blessed to have. Can you please help me change that? If I could, I would like every person diagnosed with breast cancer to feel the support and love I have felt throughout my journey. I know that is impossible to help everyone, but collectively we can make my dream of helping at least one person in need – my friend Estie.
No donation is too small; every dollar counts. And if you are unable to donate (many of us have our own struggles) may I please ask you to share this link with others?
Cancer is a humbling experience. My heart is full of love and hope – thank you for sharing that love and hope with me – and I hope with Estie as well.
Be well,
Cheryl
Though it’s been almost 2 years since I’ve posted anything personal on social media, I wanted to reach out now to share a little about my journey, and hopefully to inspire you to action and help me support others in need.
On the week of my birthday in November 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, it was exactly one year since my last mammogram, so it was caught early and I had some time to make informed decisions about my treatment. With all the new tests available, a world-class medical team to rely on, as well as the unapparelled support of my family and close friends, I was laser focused on getting cancer free. After multiple biopsies, MRIs, ultrasounds, and blood work, I ultimately decided on a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I am so very grateful to say that I’m officially cancer free and working towards my recovery in 2020.
Since my diagnosis I did not ask once, “why me?”. I know that sounds strange, but during every step of the way I had my sister Pearl by my side, a family that let me live with them, that drove, fed and cleaned me everyday when I could not do those things for myself, life-long friends that cooked, visited, sent care packages, texts, cards, etc., a great job with benefits and amazing colleagues who turned into my extended family, and of course the spiritual faith needed to get me through some dark times. Since the cancer was diagnosed early and I was very aggressive with my surgeries, I did not have to do chemo or radiation. When I think back on all these blessings, all I could think was, “I’m glad it was me” as I had the emotional, financial, and medical resources to #fuckbreastcancer. During this time I often thought of others who may be fighting this battle without this bounty of loving support.
Which brings me to this Go Fund Me page and why I am here.
Please meet Esther “Estie” Palomino. Estie is a family friend and at the young age of 33, she too was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2019. She is just beginning her treatment and recovery journey and is ready for the challenge. Her entire life journey has been a fight. She has overcome being abandoned by her mother at a very young age, physically & sexually abused before she was a teenager and growing up in multiple foster homes. Despite all this, Estie grew up to be a thriving, productive citizen and worked to help law makers in San Diego pass AB490 – one of the first laws to help foster youth have a voice in their education.
However, on January 31, 2020 Estie lost her job – right in the middle of the fight of her life. Because of this sudden loss of income and benefits, she needs help with medical treatments/bills, and day to day living expenses like rent, food, gas, etc. Unfortunately, she does not have the resources or support that I am so blessed to have. Can you please help me change that? If I could, I would like every person diagnosed with breast cancer to feel the support and love I have felt throughout my journey. I know that is impossible to help everyone, but collectively we can make my dream of helping at least one person in need – my friend Estie.
No donation is too small; every dollar counts. And if you are unable to donate (many of us have our own struggles) may I please ask you to share this link with others?
Cancer is a humbling experience. My heart is full of love and hope – thank you for sharing that love and hope with me – and I hope with Estie as well.
Be well,
Cheryl
Organizer and beneficiary
Esther Palomino
Beneficiary