Help Kenna Kick Cancer's Butt

Our very dear friend Kenna is 39 years old and was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP, a rare cancer that generally starts in the appendix). PMP is so rare it affects two people per million each year of all ages, both men and women. We all know Kenna is one in a million, apparently cancer knows this too!! For those of you who know her, you know that she is an extraordinary human being. She is funny, cheerful, loving, unbelievably strong and always puts her friends, animals and family before herself.

In the next few weeks Kenna will begin treatment. Treatment for PMP, is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) to remove the mucin and tumor implants in the abdominal cavity. This is followed by intraoperative hyperthermic peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). What does this mean?? Kenna will undergo CRS.

CRS is an operation that removes the tumors that have seeded around the abdominal cavity. It is a very long operation – usually between 10 and 14 hours. The surgeons work to remove all visible tumors in her abdominal cavity, along with her uterus, ovaries, spleen, appendix, stomach lining, partial diaphragm and partial small bowel. HIPEC is liquid chemotherapy solution that is poured directly into the abdominal cavity at the end of the operation. The aim of this is to kill off any remaining cancer cells after the operation to prevent them from growing new tumors. The chemo is swished around and circulated inside her to reach areas where those cancer cells that are not visible to the naked eye are hiding. This is done for about 90 minutes (the time can be different). It is drained off and then she will be closed up. This surgery is called the "Mother Of All Surgeries" given how extensive it is. The recovery is no joke either!

Because of this, she has been unable to work and will likely not be able to return for quite some time. Short term disability is not something she qualifies for given that she is an independent contractor. Some of her medical expenses are not covered and with the everyday necessities of life, money is getting tighter and tighter.

Kenna is one of the strongest, most selfless people I have ever known and is always there to give her love and support or the shirt off her back to anyone that needs it.

Now, it's time that we send back some of that love and support to Kenna. Anything you can donate will be truly appreciated. Everything we can do to help and surround her with love is what is most important so she can focus on beating this thing. Please spread the word. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

#fuckcancer #cancersucks