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Team Cherie

TEAM CHERIE! There are so many people near and far who are on Cherie’s team. If you know her, you know the strength and determination she lives her life with each and every day. As her sister-in-law and niece, we wanted to take this opportunity to show our love for Cherie by continuing to expand her team and shout support for her every step of the way.

If you know Cherie, you know that she is someone who cares deeply for those around her. She is always happy, loving, and putting others needs before her own. Throughout all these difficult challenges, she has never complained, felt sorry for herself or said, “why me?” Instead she has raised her head high and walked through all of this with grace, courage, and laughter (Cherie loves to laugh). Her children, Ashley(13) and Jake(10), have seen 1st hand that no matter what life throws at you, you can face it head on, put one foot in front of the other, and show courage and strength through it all.



About 5 years ago, Cherie was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy and radiation for treatment for two months. There was a lot of damage to the breast after, but everyone was relieved that she was going to be okay. 

In February of 2017, after a bout of numbness in her extremities and many tests and scans, doctors found a tumor in her neck at the base of her skull. She underwent a major surgery and her tumor was thankfully not cancerous. Despite this, she always kept up a positive outlook on her life and her future, keeping the motto "choose happiness" close to her heart. 

In May 2018, short month shy of being declared "cancer free," she received the news that her cancer returned. She participated in the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure wearing her Survivor shirt.  With a brave heart, she began sharing with others that her cancer returned. She received countless blessings and support from everyone she knew. 
She began this long process in August of 2018.  Due to damage from radiation from the first round of cancer, she was required to have separate surgeries which will total 5 surgeries in all. Each of these surgeries require at least 6 weeks of resting and many months of unpaid time off of work. Cherie just completed her third, and hardest surgery, this February. The pain and recovery from this surgery was harder than she realized.

It is hard for her to accept help from others, that is why we wanted to start this Go Fund Me page. We wanted to give back to Cherie like she has given to so many people every day---her family, friends, co-workers, students, even people she meets day to day to offer them a smile and a hello. We know that illnesses can take a toll on families and when you have had multiple events in a short amount of time it can be so challenging. She has never complained. But we know Cherie has missed so much time off of work and unfortunately isn’t compensated for these days. With continuous medical bills, lack of pay, and more surgeries to come, it is difficult situation. Even though Cherie clips her coupons, is keeping her fingers crossed her SUV holds on a bit longer, we know that she needs a shout out of support right now.

Cherie would much rather give to others than receive. She starts each day with a grateful heart and we want to show Cherie how grateful we are for her. We want to help ease a little burden for her and her family. So please join TEAM CHERIE and help us shout out support for her! Any donation, or just sending good vibes, will help!

Feel free to pass on this link to anyone you know who might know Cherie and/or want to be a part of her growing team to be a badass and kick cancer's butt!

Thank you so much,
Michele and Samantha Helfen

Organizer and beneficiary

Samantha Helfen
Organizer
Federal Way, WA
Cherie McIntosh
Beneficiary

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