Hi,

My name is Dawn and we are raising funds for my sister Debby. Our very own warrior!

We hope to help her check off some bucket list items and alleviate the mounting financial burdens she worries endlessly about. I say “some” bucket list items because many are just no longer possible physically.

As you can imagine first being diagnosed with breast cancer was heart breaking, but her warrior kicked right in to fight the fight and kick its A$$. She fought hard! Her only weapons were chemotherapy, a bi-lateral mastectomy, and reconstruction surgery.

Then you go back to life as you once knew it but it’s harder now. You live with this underlying concern for a few years hoping when you go to the doctor you get the “Remission” statement.

But, you don’t! Your doctor comes in the room and says “I’m Sorry Deb, you’re not in remission, it has spread and you have metastatic breast cancer” This is not curable but treatable, 2-5 years expectancy with treatment.

We are now 2.5 years into that time frame with a treatment regiment and a few added battle rounds of radiation. Now the treatment medications have failed her. Debby was given a diagnosis of metastatic ascites (abdominal cavity filled with fluid ) a month ago and was immediately started on chemotherapy. This chemo is called the red devil for its color and horrific side effects, it is also only for comfort / Palative care, not a cure by any means.

Family is supporting as much as possible with time and travel (she lives in Massachusetts). We have applications in for help at home and have booked long stays locally so we can be there but also so she can maintain her privacy and some resemblance of a “normal” life.

she has a big heart, helps anyone in need, even rents rooms to those less fortunate, for practically nothing. No one deserves this but her least of all. There isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do to help some one. But she does have a character defect … she will not ask for help ever and when it’s offered she politely declines.

I have had the privilege to be able to have been there for the her recently and I have noticed a change in her. She is willing to accept some help, she has been putting together a to do list, that isn’t about house repairs or such. It’s a “want to do” list … a bucket list. I am impressed!

She bought tickets to see Jo Koy (a comedian) months ago before this diagnosis and post chemo (3 weeks ago) felt she wasn’t going to go, maybe sell the tickets? Well… we went Thursday and she laughed and enjoyed herself.   It was hard to watch her get tired so easily walking those crazy hills in Albany. Hard to see her pride bruised because the staff insisted on getting her a chair to wait in line more comfortably. But the hard moments were far out weighted by the sound of laughter! Out weighted by a moment lived !

Debby’s bucket list is a simple list. There are no extravagant things, just events she wants to share with family and friends to give them a memory they will hold on to and look back on and smile. A deli catered dinner and bon fire in the back yard…,  A day at the Big E in Massachusetts listening to music with the nieces…, Maybe a nephew zip line day…, Or to simply watch the kids (nieces and nephews 18-32 years old) snow board while she sips hot coco…, A slow walk to mount Greg lock with her old dog. Small house repairs she can look at when stuck at home and feel accomplished about.

She will need help with animal care expenses because like ozzie (her pot belly pig needs a hoof manicure) and her chickens love treats (she hand feeds while sitting In the sun) . My sister worked through all of this until last month when she had to finally make the decision to not waitress anymore because her body just could not do it and get the required rest needed after treatment.

House bills are mounting and heat alone in an old house is hard enough to keep up with, and she still has a mortgage to pay. There is quickly approaching a time where more on-hands care will be needed and some extra helping hands for everyday task will be needed.

Debby would not allow us to do a go fund me years ago. But when were chatting over coffee and going over expenses I asked how she felt about a go fund me and she said she was no longer opposed to it…. I realized she was finally ready to accept some extra help and support…

We are asking for funds based on a projected future need as well as her current need. We are hopeful for generous hearts so she can enjoy the time she has and LIVE IT instead of worrying about bills unpaid.

This is where I feel such anger about this disease…. We are all aware there will come a day (when ever that is) that we will take our last breath, but cancer robs you or enjoying the breaths you still have. I hate that there are moments I see her trying to choose if she pays that bill or buys those chicken treats! To her it is a choice or being a little more frugal with the heat or sitting in the sun and enjoying her chickens flock around her for treats and pets.

Cancer takes away your body, your mind, even your ability to fight long. It should not take the few moments you have to smile away. It shouldn’t take away the desire to live life while you can.

My warrior sister needs a tribe of supporters! If you can donate please do if you can’t please share… thank you all so much in advance for your support.

with love and gratitude ,

Dawn and the rest of Debby’s family