Our fight against Breast Cancer
Donation protected
I am creating this GoFundMe for my beautiful wife Wanda, and her battle with breast cancer. Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We are reaching out to the community to help us on our journey as we endure the ongoing battle with trying to survive treatments, and the overwhelming cost of care.
THE DISCOVERY
In February of 2017, a routine breast self-exam marked the beginning of a journey that we all read and hear about but never expect to affect you. A couple of months later my worst fears was a reality, my darling wife Wanda was officially diagnosed with breast cancer. We are grateful it was caught early, as a matter of fact, all the signs pointed toward a routine recovery, she was even assured there was no need for a mastectomy. They recommended aggressive chemotherapy to kill all the bad cells, followed by radiation, and no removal of her breasts. We were almost relieved by the early discovery as we were told there would be minimal interruption to our lives. We were also told she would be able to continue to work and that a few weeks of treatment should take care of the cancer.
THE FIRST OFFICE VISIT
Dr. Kemp (a surgeon) and Dr. Shroff ( the oncologist), were going to head up the team to oversee Wanda's surgery, treatment and recovery. The procedure was to take place at Florida Hospital with a great team, facilities and services. On her initial visit, Wanda met a colleague and friend who was successfully treated by the same team of Kemp and Shroff, our hopes were high...
GOOD FRIDAY
On Good Friday, I remember this because it was the last seven sayings celebration at our place of worship. This was her first chemo session and it was quite rough. 6 hours of slow dripping medicine in your body, making you sleepy, nauseated, extremely fatigued and put her in immense pain. And to think, we were given the impression she would be able to work through until the end of treatment. : (
EVERY THREE WEEKS
Response to treatment is not the same for everyone, but it is hard for me to imagine many folks being able to endure chemotherapy sessions. For those who have braved this journey before, I salute you and your incredible tolerance for pain. I know I couldn't handle it! These sessions were more than she could bear, both physically and mentally. Working was no longer a likely option or very viable. She was unable to stand for long periods of time, unable to ride in a car or sit in a chair comfortably for any amount of time.
REALITY SETS IN
We are beyond grateful for the healthcare benefits my company offers, on paper anyway. But as the process continues, the difference in short and long-term pay benefits started to become too much to handle.
Because of these shortcomings our financial situation has become dire. Unfortunately, it's only getting worse.
To offset the cost of care, I have gotten a second job, work extra hours and still our bills continues to grow. When 25% of your monthly income goes to healthcare for 15 months the debt is becoming overwhelming.
I'm not sure where else to turn, so I ask the GoFundMe Community to help me raise $15,000 to cover these unexpected medical bills and household expenses that have occurred. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. We know God answers prayers in ways that we don't understand, and we are grateful for anyone that is able to contribute.
Thank you for your generosity and involvement with helping my beautiful wife on her road to recovery.
In Healing and Hope,
The Hogan Family
(This GoFundMe was created by a friend of the family and is linked to his Facebook profile)
THE DISCOVERY
In February of 2017, a routine breast self-exam marked the beginning of a journey that we all read and hear about but never expect to affect you. A couple of months later my worst fears was a reality, my darling wife Wanda was officially diagnosed with breast cancer. We are grateful it was caught early, as a matter of fact, all the signs pointed toward a routine recovery, she was even assured there was no need for a mastectomy. They recommended aggressive chemotherapy to kill all the bad cells, followed by radiation, and no removal of her breasts. We were almost relieved by the early discovery as we were told there would be minimal interruption to our lives. We were also told she would be able to continue to work and that a few weeks of treatment should take care of the cancer.
THE FIRST OFFICE VISIT
Dr. Kemp (a surgeon) and Dr. Shroff ( the oncologist), were going to head up the team to oversee Wanda's surgery, treatment and recovery. The procedure was to take place at Florida Hospital with a great team, facilities and services. On her initial visit, Wanda met a colleague and friend who was successfully treated by the same team of Kemp and Shroff, our hopes were high...
GOOD FRIDAY
On Good Friday, I remember this because it was the last seven sayings celebration at our place of worship. This was her first chemo session and it was quite rough. 6 hours of slow dripping medicine in your body, making you sleepy, nauseated, extremely fatigued and put her in immense pain. And to think, we were given the impression she would be able to work through until the end of treatment. : (
EVERY THREE WEEKS
Response to treatment is not the same for everyone, but it is hard for me to imagine many folks being able to endure chemotherapy sessions. For those who have braved this journey before, I salute you and your incredible tolerance for pain. I know I couldn't handle it! These sessions were more than she could bear, both physically and mentally. Working was no longer a likely option or very viable. She was unable to stand for long periods of time, unable to ride in a car or sit in a chair comfortably for any amount of time.
REALITY SETS IN
We are beyond grateful for the healthcare benefits my company offers, on paper anyway. But as the process continues, the difference in short and long-term pay benefits started to become too much to handle.
Because of these shortcomings our financial situation has become dire. Unfortunately, it's only getting worse.
To offset the cost of care, I have gotten a second job, work extra hours and still our bills continues to grow. When 25% of your monthly income goes to healthcare for 15 months the debt is becoming overwhelming.
I'm not sure where else to turn, so I ask the GoFundMe Community to help me raise $15,000 to cover these unexpected medical bills and household expenses that have occurred. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. We know God answers prayers in ways that we don't understand, and we are grateful for anyone that is able to contribute.
Thank you for your generosity and involvement with helping my beautiful wife on her road to recovery.
In Healing and Hope,
The Hogan Family
(This GoFundMe was created by a friend of the family and is linked to his Facebook profile)
Organizer and beneficiary
Chad Clegg
Organizer
Orlando, FL
Wanda Hogan
Beneficiary
