My name is Regina, or Gina Dreher. As most know, I try to keep my personal struggles out of the public eye, but unfortunately, I am at a loss with this unexpected medical diagnosis received this past week that all began on 10/16/25. After suffering with what I thought was severe sciatica for a few months, I went to the ER. In the next week, I had 3 total ER visits, with the last one leaving me admitted for 6 days. I had 80+ blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy done. I met with my oncologist on the 14th of November, still waiting on one defining lab test result, but I was told my case was complicated and would likely be transferred to Fox Chase Cancer Center for proper diagnosis and treatment, but it looked like Leukemia. On 11/15/25, I received a call at 4:00 pm that I was to be at Fox Chase Bone Marrow Center at 1:30 pm on 11/17/25 to be admitted with no certain release date.

I was admitted, and my parents had to leave to head home to care for our dogs and so my dad could drive my mom to and from work each day due to her medical issues leaving her unable to drive. She is the main source of full-time income since my dad retired in March 2025, so her getting to work is a priority. Over the next several days, I underwent endless blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, spinal taps, and many other tests to conclude I, in fact, have Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with a rare genetic mutation that is highly aggressive and tends to attack the brain and central nervous system. Thankfully, after my first IV chemo treatment and 2nd direct chemo to my spinal cord, my body has responded great, and they have released me as of 11/22/25, and I am able to do my treatment on a weekly outpatient basis from Fox Chase in Philadelphia.

Being home is great but is going to be an expensive cost while I am now living with no pay for 2 weeks until my short-term disability kicks in, and then I will only be paid at 60% of my pay for 12 weeks. This will barely cover my car payment and insurance, not factoring in the medical prescription costs and co-pays expected at each visit, on top of the gas and tolls each trip for treatments, alongside credit card bills, cell, and personal loans. As of today, I have over $1800 due in expenses, and that doesn't include the first two rounds of chemo given.

It also adds more stress on my dad to provide transportation for my mom to work and me to my appointments. He intended on retiring and picking up a side job for extra income; instead, he has taken on being the direct caregiver and driver of his wife and daughter with no pay and a lot of stress.

It is the most humbling and hardest thing to do is admit I am desperate and in need of help to keep things going financially until I am able to figure out when I can return to work full-time. I am thankful to have a supportive team of co-workers and can't wait to kick this cancer's ass and return to doing my job better than before. But until then, I am asking for help in any form anyone can offer: financial donations, prayers, companionship, or transportation if needed.

I am a true believer in Karma and hope that what you give comes back tenfold.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to anyone who can offer anything, little or big! Times are tough for many!