Jenny's Cancer Relief Fundraiser

I never though I'd still be here three and a half years after getting diagnosed with multiple myeloma. And I am so glad to be alive! Ten years after my dad died from this, I now have effective treatment options that make this a cancer you can live with. I'm not in remission, but my cancer isn't active now, so I'll take it.

But cancer care is freaking expensive.
It adds up fast. I spend about $8,000 on cancer expenses annually. Each year, I end up paying the full health insurance out of pocket maximum and the full prescription out of pocket maximum.

Additionally, there's a lot of out of pocket medical expenses that I must buy each month to keep me as healthy as possible or to keep me from getting sick: vitamins, minerals, gloves, probiotics, band aids, antibiotics and several over the counter medicines.

Lost income also reduces the money I earn. Sadly, one of the biggest side effects I experience is a brain-numbing, overwhelming fatigue. My docs are amazed at how hard I push myself past this barrier. But still there are days when I'm just not able to work, and that kills me because I want so very much to work and because that missed work means lost income.

And my cancer care is ongoing.
I still see the oncologist every month, have labs drawn every month, and order medications every month. During the year, I'll probably see several other doctors, and I'm sure for fun we'll do a few scans and X-rays. It's not really for fun, but I hold out hope a spider will drop into the CT scan and give me Spidey Senses. ;)

So I live a frugal life.
I've done everything I can to keep my expenses to the absolute bare minimum, and so far I've paid every bill on time. I'm an excellent money manager.

Non-essential expenses long ago went out the windows that need replacing. When the carpet started fraying off the edges, I covered it up and paid my medical bills. If the car isn't smoking, the check engine light can stay on. Old clothes are fine as long as they keep me warm.

I've pursued grant programs, but they have dried up. These programs mainly pay for critical care like hospitalizations. My medications are currently suppressing the cancer (yay!), so all of my health care is currently "maintenance care" and is not covered. 

So I need to ask if you can you please help me fight?
I'm at the point where I need help paying my monthly bills so I can make sure to pay the hospital. I still have a balance due on last year's medical bills. For the first time in 3.5 years, my 14-month budget is in negative numbers. I've juggled everything I can. My savings are gone, and there's not enough left in my retirement account.

Your donation would help me pay for my medical bills, prescriptions, out of pocket medical expenses, and last year's past due hospital balance.

It would also help me to just breathe easier knowing I can pay for my upcoming health care. If there's anything left over, I'll make some necessary purchases I can't afford now like car repairs.

I am very grateful for your help! Thank you for helping me fight my cancer!

My Fundraising Team

My family is my partner in this fundraiser.

You all know my brother Nick. He's organizing a Chicago-based fundraiser with some really cool items. It's on Sunday, March 23rd. You can contact him for more info.



And you all know my Mom. She's selling handcrafted polymer clay hearts in a fundraiser called "Hearts for Jenny." They're super cute. You can buy those on her Etsy store.



Thanks again. Your support means so much to me and my family.
                                       Jenny