Support Kyoung-Ah: friend and global visionary
Donation protected
SUPPORT KYOUNG-AH: Daughter, niece, friend, teacher, global visionary.
Dear Friends and Family:
If you are receiving this message, you have connections to our dear friend, Kyoung-Ah, who at 46-years young has received an unexpected diagnosis of Stage III C2 Endometrial Cancer. After going through two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, the cancer has spread. As a result, it was advised that Kyoung-Ah begin further treatments. To date she has received five infusions. A recent scan shows the condition is worsening (perhaps temporarily) and we do not know how long the treatment will need to continue, but we’re hoping the treatment is working.
Many of you have asked how you can help, so we have created this site as a way to help us all contribute to her healing journey and encircle her with our collective support.
As you might suspect. the practical and financial concerns that accompany a serious illness are many. Kyoung-Ah’s health insurance requires numerous copays and is finicky about the treatment options it will pay for. A lot of oncology related treatment (e.g. acupuncture, water/land physical therapy, pain management, etc.) which aid in managing the pain and side effects of chemo and radiation, are not covered. In addition her medical leave at work is quickly evaporating, and her treatment plan will extend far beyond the time that this ends.
A further practical concern is managing day to day living tasks. Kyoung-Ah's mother, who is currently visiting from Korea, is not able to stay for the whole duration of treatment. Routine tasks such as housecleaning and grocery shopping are not possible now given Kyoung-Ah’s compromised immune system. A way we can help is to fund a care assistant, cleaning services, and transportation to appointments. Also since doctors have advised a strictly organic diet, funds can go toward purchases at places like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
Emotional support is also important and people have asked about gifts such as flowers, plants or candles. These are such thoughtful ideas but we want to pass along a recommendation from the American Cancer Society that these type of items are not a good fit for patients with weakened immune systems. Gifts that are encouraged include organic unscented products such as lip balms, shea butter, coconut oil and lavender products which help with insomnia. Also suggested are things that can make her laugh. Laughter is one of life's simple and powerful gifts proven to encourage healing.
Our goal for this funding site is to make it easy for all of us to help and for our dear friend to get what she needs when she needs it. We want her to be able to focus her energy on her health and not on the details of managing her illness.
We thank you for being a part of her healing community and hope this opens up a direct way for you to take action to support our friend. Within the bounds of our respect for her privacy, we will keep you posted on her journey and on any changing needs.
With much love, respect and gratitude!
Dear Friends and Family:
If you are receiving this message, you have connections to our dear friend, Kyoung-Ah, who at 46-years young has received an unexpected diagnosis of Stage III C2 Endometrial Cancer. After going through two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, the cancer has spread. As a result, it was advised that Kyoung-Ah begin further treatments. To date she has received five infusions. A recent scan shows the condition is worsening (perhaps temporarily) and we do not know how long the treatment will need to continue, but we’re hoping the treatment is working.
Many of you have asked how you can help, so we have created this site as a way to help us all contribute to her healing journey and encircle her with our collective support.
As you might suspect. the practical and financial concerns that accompany a serious illness are many. Kyoung-Ah’s health insurance requires numerous copays and is finicky about the treatment options it will pay for. A lot of oncology related treatment (e.g. acupuncture, water/land physical therapy, pain management, etc.) which aid in managing the pain and side effects of chemo and radiation, are not covered. In addition her medical leave at work is quickly evaporating, and her treatment plan will extend far beyond the time that this ends.
A further practical concern is managing day to day living tasks. Kyoung-Ah's mother, who is currently visiting from Korea, is not able to stay for the whole duration of treatment. Routine tasks such as housecleaning and grocery shopping are not possible now given Kyoung-Ah’s compromised immune system. A way we can help is to fund a care assistant, cleaning services, and transportation to appointments. Also since doctors have advised a strictly organic diet, funds can go toward purchases at places like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
Emotional support is also important and people have asked about gifts such as flowers, plants or candles. These are such thoughtful ideas but we want to pass along a recommendation from the American Cancer Society that these type of items are not a good fit for patients with weakened immune systems. Gifts that are encouraged include organic unscented products such as lip balms, shea butter, coconut oil and lavender products which help with insomnia. Also suggested are things that can make her laugh. Laughter is one of life's simple and powerful gifts proven to encourage healing.
Our goal for this funding site is to make it easy for all of us to help and for our dear friend to get what she needs when she needs it. We want her to be able to focus her energy on her health and not on the details of managing her illness.
We thank you for being a part of her healing community and hope this opens up a direct way for you to take action to support our friend. Within the bounds of our respect for her privacy, we will keep you posted on her journey and on any changing needs.
With much love, respect and gratitude!
Co-organizers (2)
Jane O'Brien
Organizer
St. Paul, MN
Kyoung-Ah Nam
Beneficiary
Colleen Meyers
Co-organizer