Amanda's Sarcoma Cancer Fund

Hi! My name is Amanda Dawson, I'm 27, and have been diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer called Epithelioid Sarcoma; a cancer that affects almost 1% of the population.
 
As a backstory, I was diagnosed with my cancer back in April of this year from a FoundationOne test and a biopsy. I am currently receiving my treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. So far my treatment has included radiation and I take 8 chemo pills (Tazemetostat) a day. My tumor's are metastatic and are located in my stomach, lungs, left thigh, and the bones in my arm(s). Before my radiation, I was in a lot of pain that affected my left leg and groin area. So much so it inhibited my range of motion and my ability to walk distances. I have been prescribed morphine and ativan to help with the pain, nausea, and anxiety. 
 
Currently, my pain has gotten much better as it mostly affects me after long days and during the night (I don't sleep much due to being uncomfortable and the anxiety of my diagnosis.) I have my next CT Scan Tuesday, August the 18th to see if my current treatment course has stunted the cancer, improved it, or if it has metastasized more. If it is the later my only other options that were explained to me are chemo through IV and maybe radiation again if I qualify.

The reason that I am starting the GoFundMe for myself is because my current medical bills total about $9,000 and there are still more to come (insurance has covered an extreme amount as it is.)
My medical bills are not the only reason I am starting this GoFundMe. My cancer diagnosis does not only affect me but also my husband too. If I only get some funds to make a partial payment for my medical bills then I am still extremely grateful.

Honestly, what I am trying to say is my medical bills aren't the only help I need.
I need help to buy an adjustable bed because of the pain in my back and hips from radiation and treatment.
I pay for my schooling out of my husband's and I's savings since I am not working (if and when I do pass away I want to pass feeling proud of myself for my accomplishments in my education. Since I don't have children I feel like my education and my husband is what I will leave behind as my legacy.)
My husband and I want to travel at least to Montana and to the Grand Canyon to make memories before I pass. I hope these memories will help my husband with my passing since he still has a hard time accepting my terminal diagnosis (Michael served in the USMC and is currently law enforcement so I really am trying my best to be proud of what I can do for him before my passing and not add to any of the hardships he has had to overcome.)
I mean I never thought at 27 I would be diagnosed with a terminal cancer. Now a days I feel like I spend most of my time preparing for a future I may not be a part of and trying to find ways to take care of my husband (I've been trying to find a life insurance policy that will pay even if I do pass within the required two years.) 

After speaking with one of my best friends I was finally comfortable with asking for help and making this GoFundMe for myself. I know life is hard for so many and a part of me feels guilty for even asking for help but whoever has taken their time reading this I am forever grateful! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Amanda Dawson


I will try my best to keep my GoFundMe updated as long as I am able too!