A Fight That Takes a Village

It all started just days after my sister’s 42nd birthday, on November 15, 2012 she got a call about an abnormal mammogram. They told her that she had pre-cancerous cells in clusters in both of her breasts. Since her diagnosis she has had biopsies, lumpectomies and a bilateral mastectomy - a whopping 30 surgeries that have totaled over $300,000. She has had tumors in her neck and head removed, 12 tumors from her uterus removed and has even faced death because blood was forming around her heart after a 9-hour surgery. Currently she has a lesion on her liver that the doctors are monitoring closely. And that doesn’t even touch the surface of the amount of excruciating pain she endures often times daily. Yet she goes to work despite the pain, and even has a part-time job in addition to her full-time job in order to bring in more income to support her medical bills. She is also a mother and a wife so on top of taking care of herself, she also ensures her daughter and husband are well taken care of. They have been a major support system by taking her to each surgery, ensuring they are able to cover the fees for each surgery etc.


My sister never asks for anything, instead she is constantly giving to others - whether it’s monetary gifts, time, love or all of the above. She has been the rock for so many people (including me) and I want her to know that she has a support system. We just learned that she has to have 3 additional surgeries the remainder of the year so as a family we asked if we could share her story to not only request prayers from trusted loved ones, but also financial assistance. No one should have to carry such a burden by themselves, that just adds additional stress and anxiety. And to top things off, my sister works within the health profession and is deemed an essential worker so she exposes herself to the risk of COVID-19 every day. With  her current immune system that is fighting off so many things already that has to bring on a completely different level of anxiety. 


As a woman of faith, she doesn’t waver in her belief in God which amazes me. Someone enduring such excruciating circumstances for such an extended period of time, yet wakes up and can still smile through the tears, laugh through the hard times, and take care of others. She is literally a walking miracle. However, even so, she has been plagued with fear, anxiety, depression, and many other emotions which I could only imagine - I mean who wouldn’t have those real life feelings? After all she is human. Her prayer is for a heart free of sadness, a mind free of worry, a body free of illness and a day full of blessings. I pray that as you read this you feel moved to contribute. Any dollar amount helps - we truly appreciate your generosity and love!