Care for one who cares for others
Donation protected
Those of us who are fortunate to know Camille (nee Ramos) Rhodes know she would do anything for the people in her life. She loves her family, friends, co-workers and neighbors with a fervor that you don’t see in everyone. Her passion and commitment to her family, career and community are unwavering. Camille cares for everyone but doesn’t like to ask for help. We are writing this because we are asking for your help for Camille.
In 2014, Camille and Tim decided they wanted to grow their family from three to more. First they wanted to change their lifestyle habits. Camille lost 30 lbs through exercising and making healthy choices. This health transformation was an unlikely success, because Camille has a staggering list of medical issues* working against her, some she’s had since the age of 14. During this journey Camille found a lump. It was November 8th, 2014.
Camille was diagnosed with stage 2B ER+ HER2+ breast cancer at the age of 38. This began the long fight she’s bravely battled from chemotherapy to bilateral mastectomy to reconstruction to recovery and on-going maintenance. Camille has an amazing network of support; the doctors, medical staff, her own hospital where she's employed and is fortunate to have an amazing boss and co-workers; her husband Tim who’s been her rock, her son William who’s been blessed with his mother’s compassion and intelligence, her parents Jojo and Gerry as well as family and friends near and far. Camille values this love and support above all else and communicates her gratitude in so many ways.
While Camille has been cancer-free since February 2016 there are quiet battles she faces daily. The maintenance treatments, doctor visits and medication that she meticulously administers to herself without fail. The harmful side effects of powerful medications that stave off the risk of cancer returning at the same time controling thyroid issues at the expense of loss of feeling in her feet and hands as well as decreased metabolism and chronic fatigue. The systemic financial effects of all the time she’s needed to take off work through leaves of absence. Almost 3 years of continued 20% co-pays for maintenance treatment and medicine. Because of Camille’s pre-existing conditions, radiation was not an option. The treatment regime required is long term and very expensive. Despite these struggles Camille always keeps a positive attitude and puts others first.
Before breast cancer, before thyroid issues and vertigo in her 20s Camille was healthy and active. She danced, skied, performed and enchanted listeners when she sang. There might be a perception that an overweight person isn’t doing enough. Yet, when health problems beyond your control limit your abilities a point is reached where there’s only so much you can do.
We are humbly asking for your help to ease Camille’s burden. Any small gift will have a profound impact. Thank you for being part of Camille’s life.
*Diganosis:
At 14, Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
At 23, Symptomatic Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
At 26, Infertility
At 28, Complicated Migraine with resultant Aphasia
At 32, Egg-sized Ovarian Cysts removed with Endometrial Fulguration
At 33, Hypothyroidism (while pregnant)
At 36, Sleep Apnea
At 38, Breast Cancer Stage 2B ER+ HER2+ (11.8.14)
Mediport placed (11.14.14)
Chemotherapy started (Black Friday, Day after Thanksgiving)
s/p Bilateral Mastectomy w/ spacer placement (5.13.15)
Spacer removal and reconstruction (12.01.2015)
In 2014, Camille and Tim decided they wanted to grow their family from three to more. First they wanted to change their lifestyle habits. Camille lost 30 lbs through exercising and making healthy choices. This health transformation was an unlikely success, because Camille has a staggering list of medical issues* working against her, some she’s had since the age of 14. During this journey Camille found a lump. It was November 8th, 2014.
Camille was diagnosed with stage 2B ER+ HER2+ breast cancer at the age of 38. This began the long fight she’s bravely battled from chemotherapy to bilateral mastectomy to reconstruction to recovery and on-going maintenance. Camille has an amazing network of support; the doctors, medical staff, her own hospital where she's employed and is fortunate to have an amazing boss and co-workers; her husband Tim who’s been her rock, her son William who’s been blessed with his mother’s compassion and intelligence, her parents Jojo and Gerry as well as family and friends near and far. Camille values this love and support above all else and communicates her gratitude in so many ways.
While Camille has been cancer-free since February 2016 there are quiet battles she faces daily. The maintenance treatments, doctor visits and medication that she meticulously administers to herself without fail. The harmful side effects of powerful medications that stave off the risk of cancer returning at the same time controling thyroid issues at the expense of loss of feeling in her feet and hands as well as decreased metabolism and chronic fatigue. The systemic financial effects of all the time she’s needed to take off work through leaves of absence. Almost 3 years of continued 20% co-pays for maintenance treatment and medicine. Because of Camille’s pre-existing conditions, radiation was not an option. The treatment regime required is long term and very expensive. Despite these struggles Camille always keeps a positive attitude and puts others first.
Before breast cancer, before thyroid issues and vertigo in her 20s Camille was healthy and active. She danced, skied, performed and enchanted listeners when she sang. There might be a perception that an overweight person isn’t doing enough. Yet, when health problems beyond your control limit your abilities a point is reached where there’s only so much you can do.
We are humbly asking for your help to ease Camille’s burden. Any small gift will have a profound impact. Thank you for being part of Camille’s life.
*Diganosis:
At 14, Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
At 23, Symptomatic Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
At 26, Infertility
At 28, Complicated Migraine with resultant Aphasia
At 32, Egg-sized Ovarian Cysts removed with Endometrial Fulguration
At 33, Hypothyroidism (while pregnant)
At 36, Sleep Apnea
At 38, Breast Cancer Stage 2B ER+ HER2+ (11.8.14)
Mediport placed (11.14.14)
Chemotherapy started (Black Friday, Day after Thanksgiving)
s/p Bilateral Mastectomy w/ spacer placement (5.13.15)
Spacer removal and reconstruction (12.01.2015)
Organizer and beneficiary
Ryan Ramos
Organizer
Grand Rapids, MI
Camille Rhodes
Beneficiary
