Christine's Medical Fund

As the oldest of five sisters, I have often over the years felt as if I needed to be a protector, a leader, and the realist in our family.  That feeling has never been as strong as it was this past December.  

     You see, Christine number three sister in this clan of girls was diagnosed with Stage III Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Mantle Cell Lymphoma is a rare lymphoma that was only discovered about 20 years ago.  This lymphoma is most commonly found in men over 60!    The treatment plan is what you would expect, six months of chemotherapy and antibody treatment but unfortunately, because of the stage III diagnosis radiation is not an option.  We are all confident that Christine is going to KICK CANCER'S ASS and this will all just be a glitch in her life path but, there are a few obstacles that she will need our help with.

     If you know Christine you know in her "previous" life she was a stay at home mother.  She was the stereotypical "stay at home mom".  Cook, Chauffer, Cheerleader for all sporting events, Homework Nazi, and so much more, she was in her element!  LOVED it and her children were proof of that!  Christine's life made a shift a few years ago and she went out and acquired a job that would help support her and her three children.  However, this job would NEVER allow her to secure medical insurance because it was part time by nature and just didn't pay enough.  That is the reason for her Stage III diagnosis.  Christine knew for about eight months that something just wasn't right but medical insurance for herself wasn't in the budget.  Even with Covered CA, her Alimony and the meager amount she made put her into a category that bumped her up to an income level that made insurance premiums out of reach.  Finally, Christine decided when the pain became the driving force she would pay out of pocket to go see a doctor.  This meant dipping into savings, savings that she has set aside for her children.  

     Fast forward to today.  By the grace of God, Christine has acquired medical insurance through Kaiser and has begun her treatment.  She is so fortunate to have an amazing partner that supports her, cheers her on and gives her the self-confidence she needs to fight this monster!  Jason has been Christine's "stay at home mom" for lack of a better term.  They attend a cancer support group together; Christine is happy, confident and of course nervous and scared.  Her kids are by her side they give her power and that in itself is the reason she is going to KICK LYMPHOMA'S ASS!

     So here's where YOU can help.  Christine isn't going to be able to work during treatment and disability is slow and only a percentage of the small salary she made.  There are going to be co-pays and other unexpected costs that come along with KICKING CANCER'S ASS and she can't do it alone.  She still has to pay day-to-day and month-to-month living expenses and her premiums are coming out of savings.  To date she has already paid out of pocket more than $10,000 in medical costs and that is only since December!  Please, no amount is too small and all pennies are greatly appreciated.  Being sick shouldn't destroy a family and once she has KICKED CANCER'S ASS she has to be able to LIVE her life and move forward, not LIVE to pay off medical bills.  I know the total we are trying to raise seems daunting but it is just the beginning and it is going to take some stress out of an already stressful situation.  GOD BLESS and PLEASE HELP CHRISTINE KICK CANCER'S ASS!