My name is Terina, and I am writing to share the story of my younger sister Carmella. She is a 54-year-old mother of four and grandmother of five.

In late April 2024, Carmella's mammogram returned a negative result. However, by February 2025, she discovered a lump, which was subsequently diagnosed with a variant form of Ductal Carcinoma, it is aggressive and growing rapidly. Since 2013, Carmella has been the sole financial provider for her family, as her husband has been battling Major Depressive Disorder/ Treatment-Resistant Depression and remains unable to work.

We Ask for Your Support: Carmella's Cancer Care Team has devised a comprehensive treatment plan that includes 6 months chemotherapy, followed by a mastectomy (potentially bilateral), reconstructive surgery and then ongoing chemotherapy for one year. The financial burden of medical expenses, treatments not covered by insurance, and daily living costs will soon surpass her income. Our goal is to raise $35,000 to help cover these expenses and ensure Carmella receives the best care possible. Every donation, regardless of size, will significantly impact her fight against this disease.

As a family, we have faced heart break in the past. Our younger sister tragically passed away the day before her 15th birthday due to an undiagnosed genetic heart defect called Long QT Syndrome. This loss profoundly affected our mother, leading to a severe mental breakdown and depression. In addition, our mother succumbed to melanoma in 2010. With Carmella's treatment plan already underway, although it will be a long road ahead of her, we know that she will have a positive outcome.

We earnestly seek your support in any form. Your generous donations will not only help cover medical expenses but also provide much-needed emotional relief. Additionally, your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated. We also encourage all women with dense breast tissue to consider undergoing a Contrast Enhanced Mammogram (CEM), which could potentially detect issues that a regular mammogram might miss, as it may have for Carmella in April 2024.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Carmella and for your generous support. Together, we can aid Carmella in her battle against breast cancer and offer her hope, strength, and love during this challenging time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Terina

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