Victory for Valerie- Fight Like A Girl
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On October 9th I was diagnosed with Stage 1A2 cervical cancer. I'd love to say this is my first time battling cancer, but it is not. This will actually be my 6th surgery. I battled cervical and ovarian cancer from 2007-2009, having 5 surgeries and undergoing countless rounds of outpatient chemotherapy treatments. But I persevered while attending community college classes and I know I can beat this yet again!
The surgery will take place on Friday, November 8th at UCSF Medical Center. My oncologist is very optimistic that the surgery to remove the cancerous cells will be successful and the chemotherapy treatments following will ensure that I am in remission. I was truly hoping being that we caught this so early chemotherapy would not be needed, but with my health history it is the best course of action.
That being said I have to satisfy my insurance deductible before the surgery can take place. I will have to give the hospital $1,500 the day of my surgery. The remaining costs will be billed to me once processed through my insurance. In the past when I was battling cancer I was a full-time college student working part-time and my grandfather was able to cover all of my medical costs. Fast forward to today and my grandfather is no longer with us. I work full-time as does my husband, but unfortunately our budget took a hard hit earlier this year when he was laid off. Luckily he is now back to work.
I am asking for any donation that can be made to help cover my medical expenses over the coming months. I greatly appreciate all of the kind messages, phone calls and emails. Your support means the world to me.
--Valerie
UPDATE: 10/31/13
I am in awe of the enormous amount of generosity and support that has been given to me the past few weeks. 8 days until my surgery and I am hoping to reach my final goal in the coming weeks. Saying "thank you" simply isn't enough. XOXO
--Valerie
UPDATE: 11/21/13
Surgery was tough and unfortunately was not 100% successful. The pathology report did not show clear margins which indicates the cancer is still there. I did find out that it has not traveled to my lymphatic system and that is wonderful news. As I sit here today still dealing with being a bit more tired than normal I am so grateful for all of the love, support and kind words.
--Valerie
The surgery will take place on Friday, November 8th at UCSF Medical Center. My oncologist is very optimistic that the surgery to remove the cancerous cells will be successful and the chemotherapy treatments following will ensure that I am in remission. I was truly hoping being that we caught this so early chemotherapy would not be needed, but with my health history it is the best course of action.
That being said I have to satisfy my insurance deductible before the surgery can take place. I will have to give the hospital $1,500 the day of my surgery. The remaining costs will be billed to me once processed through my insurance. In the past when I was battling cancer I was a full-time college student working part-time and my grandfather was able to cover all of my medical costs. Fast forward to today and my grandfather is no longer with us. I work full-time as does my husband, but unfortunately our budget took a hard hit earlier this year when he was laid off. Luckily he is now back to work.
I am asking for any donation that can be made to help cover my medical expenses over the coming months. I greatly appreciate all of the kind messages, phone calls and emails. Your support means the world to me.
--Valerie
UPDATE: 10/31/13
I am in awe of the enormous amount of generosity and support that has been given to me the past few weeks. 8 days until my surgery and I am hoping to reach my final goal in the coming weeks. Saying "thank you" simply isn't enough. XOXO
--Valerie
UPDATE: 11/21/13
Surgery was tough and unfortunately was not 100% successful. The pathology report did not show clear margins which indicates the cancer is still there. I did find out that it has not traveled to my lymphatic system and that is wonderful news. As I sit here today still dealing with being a bit more tired than normal I am so grateful for all of the love, support and kind words.
--Valerie
Organizer
Valerie Hawkins
Organizer
Pacifica, CA
