Ocular Melanoma-Gina's Story
Donation protected
We come to you today to ask for help on behalf of our daughter-in-law . Gina, our son, David and our Grandson, Owynn.
In February of 2013 after months of headaches, a tumor was spotted in her left eye at which point she was referred to the Mayo Clinic. There they diagnosed her with Ocular Melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of melanoma. While there have been several treatments that have successfully addressed individual tumors including the enculeation to remove her left eye, a radio-frequency ablation to "freeze" a small spot in her liver, and targeted radiation to shrink a spot in her left lung, nothing has been able to slow or stop the spread of this virulent cancer. As of today nearly all of her liver is consumed by cancer and the doctors have exhausted all but one very toxic chemotherapy option. After careful consideration with family , doctors, and friends she has decided to forego any further treatments and wishes to focus her energies on spending quality time with her family.
While it is painful to be so far removed from our kids, we are thankful that they are near her mon who has been a source of comfort. Additionally, she has been blessed by an incredible work family that has supported her from the moment she was diagnosed.
It has been a long and difficult journey and with each turn came new medical bills and other miscellaneous expenses. It is our hope to help alleviate some of their financial stress and allow the family to focus on their time together. Please help them however you can. We would be forever grateful.
In February of 2013 after months of headaches, a tumor was spotted in her left eye at which point she was referred to the Mayo Clinic. There they diagnosed her with Ocular Melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of melanoma. While there have been several treatments that have successfully addressed individual tumors including the enculeation to remove her left eye, a radio-frequency ablation to "freeze" a small spot in her liver, and targeted radiation to shrink a spot in her left lung, nothing has been able to slow or stop the spread of this virulent cancer. As of today nearly all of her liver is consumed by cancer and the doctors have exhausted all but one very toxic chemotherapy option. After careful consideration with family , doctors, and friends she has decided to forego any further treatments and wishes to focus her energies on spending quality time with her family.
While it is painful to be so far removed from our kids, we are thankful that they are near her mon who has been a source of comfort. Additionally, she has been blessed by an incredible work family that has supported her from the moment she was diagnosed.
It has been a long and difficult journey and with each turn came new medical bills and other miscellaneous expenses. It is our hope to help alleviate some of their financial stress and allow the family to focus on their time together. Please help them however you can. We would be forever grateful.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kathleen A Helsel
Organizer
Shawano, WI
David Helsel
Beneficiary