Burn's Cancer Journey
Donation protected
My dear friend, Bernice Marcelino, lovingly known as Burn, was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer Stage II B in May, 2017.
What is Uterine Cancer?
Cancer that forms in tissues of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). Two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer (cancer that begins in cells lining the uterus) and uterine sarcoma (a rare cancer that begins in muscle or other tissues in the uterus). Uterine sarcoma is an uncommon form of uterine cancer that forms in the muscle and tissue that support the uterus. It is not only harder to cure but also has a high rate of recurrence.
Who is Burn?
Burn is a loving daughter, sister, auntie and friend who loves the Lord and serves Him faithfully. She is a dedicated high school teacher who has been living on her own since 2008. Her entire family lives overseas and she returns home to visit them every year. Although she has never found herself "in love", she is treasured by so many thanks to her everlasting kindness, generosity and unwavering friendship. It has been such a rollercoaster ride witnessing all her trials and triumphs these past few months.
What is her story?
What began as painful bladder issues that required surgery resulted in a necessary hysterectomy and a shockingly unexpected cancer diagnosis. She began chemotherapy treatments, soon to be followed by radiotherapy. Amidst all of her medical treatments and health issues, an unprecedented eviction also threw her in a loop. The most heartbreaking part of her ordeal is the fact that she will never get the chance to have children of her own. Despite all of her hardship, she continued to find comfort and strength in our faithful God and openly praised Him for His goodness and grace.
"But wait, there's more..."
The sad part is that just when we thought she was on the final step of her road to recovery, she was hit with more bad news. The week before she was meant to begin radiotherapy, recent scans indicated that there was still a considerable growth where the cancer was originally located and it did not decrease enough in size for radiotherapy to be effective. The doctors strongly recommended further surgery to remove the growth along with her ovaries to lessen the risk of the cancer returning because it is so aggressive.
The cost of this additional surgery is quite expensive and definitely unexpected. Her private health insurance was able to cover some of her previous medical expenses, however the expenses still seem to continue multiplying. She is now in a position to decide if she will undergo the surgery under private or public care. Both options have their pros and cons. Although the private option has more pros, it also has more costs. Nonetheless, if she goes with either option, she will be experiencing a heavy financial burden.
In addition to that, her annual overseas trip to visit her family, that she looks forward to every year, is now questionable due to the cost and timing of her surgery.
How can you help?
For those who have the privilege of knowing her personally, would know how generous she is with her time, her love and her cooking! I want to take this opportunity to ask if you are able to be a blessing and please assist in relieving this burden. Any donation will be appreciated.
Burn constantly expresses her gratitude for the love, prayers and support of family and friends throughout this time. And I'm sure, this help will further lift her spirits as she battles through this somewhat never-ending cancer journey.
Please continue to keep Burn in your prayers -
she's a real life Wonder Woman, only by His grace.
THANK YOU for taking the time to read this and thanks in advance for your thoughts, prayers and generosity.
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My name is Grace Kruse, a close friend of Burn and the initiator of this GoFundMe effort. I set up this account to support Burn with her upcoming surgery, future cancer-related medical expenses and her travel expenses to be with her family. All funds will be directly deposited into her account.
What is Uterine Cancer?
Cancer that forms in tissues of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). Two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer (cancer that begins in cells lining the uterus) and uterine sarcoma (a rare cancer that begins in muscle or other tissues in the uterus). Uterine sarcoma is an uncommon form of uterine cancer that forms in the muscle and tissue that support the uterus. It is not only harder to cure but also has a high rate of recurrence.
Who is Burn?
Burn is a loving daughter, sister, auntie and friend who loves the Lord and serves Him faithfully. She is a dedicated high school teacher who has been living on her own since 2008. Her entire family lives overseas and she returns home to visit them every year. Although she has never found herself "in love", she is treasured by so many thanks to her everlasting kindness, generosity and unwavering friendship. It has been such a rollercoaster ride witnessing all her trials and triumphs these past few months.
What is her story?
What began as painful bladder issues that required surgery resulted in a necessary hysterectomy and a shockingly unexpected cancer diagnosis. She began chemotherapy treatments, soon to be followed by radiotherapy. Amidst all of her medical treatments and health issues, an unprecedented eviction also threw her in a loop. The most heartbreaking part of her ordeal is the fact that she will never get the chance to have children of her own. Despite all of her hardship, she continued to find comfort and strength in our faithful God and openly praised Him for His goodness and grace.
"But wait, there's more..."
The sad part is that just when we thought she was on the final step of her road to recovery, she was hit with more bad news. The week before she was meant to begin radiotherapy, recent scans indicated that there was still a considerable growth where the cancer was originally located and it did not decrease enough in size for radiotherapy to be effective. The doctors strongly recommended further surgery to remove the growth along with her ovaries to lessen the risk of the cancer returning because it is so aggressive.
The cost of this additional surgery is quite expensive and definitely unexpected. Her private health insurance was able to cover some of her previous medical expenses, however the expenses still seem to continue multiplying. She is now in a position to decide if she will undergo the surgery under private or public care. Both options have their pros and cons. Although the private option has more pros, it also has more costs. Nonetheless, if she goes with either option, she will be experiencing a heavy financial burden.
In addition to that, her annual overseas trip to visit her family, that she looks forward to every year, is now questionable due to the cost and timing of her surgery.
How can you help?
For those who have the privilege of knowing her personally, would know how generous she is with her time, her love and her cooking! I want to take this opportunity to ask if you are able to be a blessing and please assist in relieving this burden. Any donation will be appreciated.
Burn constantly expresses her gratitude for the love, prayers and support of family and friends throughout this time. And I'm sure, this help will further lift her spirits as she battles through this somewhat never-ending cancer journey.
Please continue to keep Burn in your prayers -
she's a real life Wonder Woman, only by His grace.
THANK YOU for taking the time to read this and thanks in advance for your thoughts, prayers and generosity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
My name is Grace Kruse, a close friend of Burn and the initiator of this GoFundMe effort. I set up this account to support Burn with her upcoming surgery, future cancer-related medical expenses and her travel expenses to be with her family. All funds will be directly deposited into her account.
Organizer
M Grace Kruse
Organizer
Wedderburn NSW
