Help Zayid Win Against Breast Cancer
Donation protected
Some of you heard that Zayid was diagnosed with breast cancer and asked how you could help!
Here's the backstory and opportunities for you to love on Zayid and support her during her fight against breast cancer.
HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
On June 24th, we learned that Zayid had an aggressive stage 3 breast cancer called HER2 positive. The cancer has metastasized to her lymph nodes BUT no further, which is a huge relief. While the tumor is fast growing and in multiple areas of her right breast, there are good treatments available.
On July 23rd, Zayid will begin a four month chemo treatment of 4 drugs. Two of the drugs (docetaxel and carboplatin) are traditional chemotherapeutics with some pretty nasty side effects. The other two drugs (Herceptin and Projeta) are targeted, which means they only target the cancer cells with the HER2 protein - a big advance in treatment and with less side effects.
After the 4-month treatment comes a month to let her immune system recover, then a full mastectomy, radiation, and another 8 months of targeted drug therapy. It's going to be rough, but Zayid is strong and ready to kick the shit out of this cancer.
Cancer and COVID
While there is no good time to get cancer, a global pandemic certainly complicates things. Zayid's immune system will be weakened from the chemo, making her severely at-risk for COVID. Unfortunately, this means that our wonderful network of support is now a significant risk to her health.
Normally, we would love to be surrounded by ALL friends and family, but we have to be extra vigilant and will be keeping our "bubble" close. We ask that people practice social distancing, keeping any visits to the outdoors and please wear a face mask.
Here's how we'll use the money
- Big medical bills not covered by our insurance (extra MRI or scans, second opinions, etc)
- Childcare from our amazing nanny and friend, Kara Flowers, during the treatment cycles
- A flight from Ethiopia to the US for Zayid's mom to come visit (when it's safe)
We know money is tight for everyone right now, but if you have any you can spare for Zayid, it would be greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps.
Other ways you can help
- Pray and send good vibes her way
- Write encouraging texts, and send cards (2551 Deerfield Rd, Boone NC 28607)
- Sign up for our meal train!
- Go on a socially distant walk with Zayid (see meal train for signup)
- Donate to cancer research
- Send things for the kids to keep them busy
We LOVE you and are so thankful you're with us!
Aaron, Zayid, Samuel, Yohana
Here's the backstory and opportunities for you to love on Zayid and support her during her fight against breast cancer.
HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
On June 24th, we learned that Zayid had an aggressive stage 3 breast cancer called HER2 positive. The cancer has metastasized to her lymph nodes BUT no further, which is a huge relief. While the tumor is fast growing and in multiple areas of her right breast, there are good treatments available.
On July 23rd, Zayid will begin a four month chemo treatment of 4 drugs. Two of the drugs (docetaxel and carboplatin) are traditional chemotherapeutics with some pretty nasty side effects. The other two drugs (Herceptin and Projeta) are targeted, which means they only target the cancer cells with the HER2 protein - a big advance in treatment and with less side effects.
After the 4-month treatment comes a month to let her immune system recover, then a full mastectomy, radiation, and another 8 months of targeted drug therapy. It's going to be rough, but Zayid is strong and ready to kick the shit out of this cancer.
Cancer and COVID
While there is no good time to get cancer, a global pandemic certainly complicates things. Zayid's immune system will be weakened from the chemo, making her severely at-risk for COVID. Unfortunately, this means that our wonderful network of support is now a significant risk to her health.
Normally, we would love to be surrounded by ALL friends and family, but we have to be extra vigilant and will be keeping our "bubble" close. We ask that people practice social distancing, keeping any visits to the outdoors and please wear a face mask.
Here's how we'll use the money
- Big medical bills not covered by our insurance (extra MRI or scans, second opinions, etc)
- Childcare from our amazing nanny and friend, Kara Flowers, during the treatment cycles
- A flight from Ethiopia to the US for Zayid's mom to come visit (when it's safe)
We know money is tight for everyone right now, but if you have any you can spare for Zayid, it would be greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps.
Other ways you can help
- Pray and send good vibes her way
- Write encouraging texts, and send cards (2551 Deerfield Rd, Boone NC 28607)
- Sign up for our meal train!
- Go on a socially distant walk with Zayid (see meal train for signup)
- Donate to cancer research
- Send things for the kids to keep them busy
We LOVE you and are so thankful you're with us!
Aaron, Zayid, Samuel, Yohana
Organizer
Aaron White
Organizer
Boone, NC