Chemotherapy

I'm fundraising for Marcia Heskey on behalf of her sister & my coworker Nihjole Heskey.

Marcia is from Antigua and a loving mother of two teenage children. She was unfortunately diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer February 

of 2022. Triple-negative breast cancer is considered a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. TNBC is known to grow rapidly and has typically spread by the time it is diagnosed. Unfortunately, TNBC has fewer treatment options, tends to have a worse prognosis (outcome) than other forms of breast cancer, and is more likely to return after treatment than other forms of breast cancer.

Marcia promptly started her journey towards healing at a medical center in Antigua - undergoing surgery and chemotherapy treatment. Marcia and her family were feeling hopeful for the future after treatment was complete

Marcia's fear came to life as she found new lumps on her breast - the cancer had returned. After much consideration, Marcia made the brave decision to leave her family in Antigua and travel to the United States in hopes of receiving sufficient treatment and finally putting the cancer to rest.

That brings us to current day... Marcia has started her healing journey for the second time at an Oncology clinic in Georgia. Unfortunately as a newly immigrated woman in America, the access to affordable healthcare is not so simple. Many institutions offer assistance for immigrants receiving cancer treatment, but most require years of residency in the United States. Unfortunately for Marcia she does not qualify. This means that any cancer treatment including Chemotherapy drugs, imaging scans, lab work , clinic visits, etc. are required to be paid out of pocket. Her chemotherapy drug alone will cost $15,000+.

With a diagnosis of recurring Triple-negative breast cancer time is of the essence. With each passing week without further treatment Marcia's chances of survival decrease.

I am asking that you please consider donating towards cancer treatment for Marcia - any amount you can spare. Please give Marcia, her teenage children, and her extended family the gift of life this holiday season.