Renee Healing Well - Thanks to You!
Renee had just moved to California to start a new life and things were looking up. With the help of her cousins, she met some wonderful people who helped her find a job with a promising company. Her future seemed so bright and things were off to a great start.
This great start didn't last.
Not long after she began her new life, Renee had a toothache and went to the dentist who referred her to a surgeon for the tooth to be removed. And then they discovered the worst. She was diagnosed with bone cancer which had a very poor prognosis and life as we knew it changed forever.
And so the medical roller coaster began.
The waiting was unbearable while the doctors tried to diagnose the stage of the cancer. Months later, we learned that she actually had a rare bone tumor called Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (BPOP). While this is NOT cancer, it is still very serious.
There are few reported cases of BPOP in the medical journals. The oncologist expressed concern because there is only one reported case of BPOP in the mandible so the treatment history was limited. In other cases, the removal of the affected appendage was the protocol.
The oncologist recommended removing her jaw to get the entire tumor. To make matters even worse, it seemed that this type of tumor always comes back.
Unfortunately, Renee has already had two procedures with mounting medical bills, and her upcoming surgeries will be more than her insurance will cover.
She is scheduled to see her surgeon again in a few weeks. If the surgeon says that the tumor has already returned, then she will have to have her jaw removed now. This is a horribly invasive surgery that has many risks and her recovery will be long and arduous. I’m writing with this update because we need to be prepared.
Imagine being a 28 year old woman who never had a serious illness. Imagine being told that you will have to have your jaw removed. And, not only can it be disfiguring, but you will lose all sensation in your face and lips. On top of that, there are no guarantees that this tumor will not show up elsewhere. That is why this must be treated aggressively and without delay.
Please help us reach our fundraising goal so that Renee can get the surgeries that she needs. I’ve done all that I can to get her what she needs, but it isn’t enough. I need help. Every donation counts!
Renee is my kind and loving daughter; supportive and great big sister; and a loyal friend and family member. She loves to surprise people with little things just to make them happy.
She is generous to a fault, and someone who would give the shirt off of her back if you needed it. Renee is truly a special young lady who has handled the ups and downs of her medical situation with tremendous grace, strength and courage.
I know many of you may not know Renee, but please don’t let it stop you from helping her if you can; she is an amazing young woman. I couldn’t imagine my life without Renee in it.
Thank you for your generosity and prayers! May God bless you and your family.
Her loving Mom, Debra
