This is Cheryl Natriello. On September 6th she was rushed to the hospital because she was badly hemorrhaging. She was again rushed to the hospital on October 9th. Further testing revealed the shocking and upsetting news that Cheryl had cervical cancer.

She continued to work at her full time job for as long as she could, knowing that she was going to need the money to pay for the costs not covered by her medical insurance. The ambulance to the hospital was $900, and her out-of-pocket costs for just one scan was $600. Because of the intensive radiation and chemo treatments Cheryl became to ill and weak to continue working, and now her bills are rapidly mounting up. It has become a major struggle to pay for treatment and medication, as well as her mortgage, bills and food. Recently Cheryl had to stop her chemo treatment session because she was vomiting too much and becoming severely dehydrated. This happened because she didn't have enough money to pay for her anti-nausea medication. These treatments are crucial to insure that Cheryl has a fighting chance to beat this and save her life. Missing chemo lessens her chances.

So, who is Cheryl? She isn't anyone famous. She isn't rich or powerful. But she is special to so many people who love her dearly, and we don't want to lose her. I am one of those people, and over the years Cheryl has become like a sister to me. My world without her in it would be very bleak, and that is an understatement. I know all of her friends would feel the same. She truly is a light in so many lives.

On January 12th, 2004, Cheryl's beloved husband Joseph "Joey" Natriello lost his battle to live after a long illness. Sadly, they were unable to have children, so after Joey died Cheryl had to carry on alone, working hard to save her house and pay the bills. She suffered another terrible blow with the death of her mother in October 2011. During these tragic times Cheryl has never asked anyone for help. She has taken pride in being self-sufficient, never feeling sorry for herself.

On the other hand, she gives so much to others, especially in the genealogical world, where she has provided free research to anyone who has needed help. She has also been a support to so many when they have suffered the death of loved ones, including myself. I have lost count of the many hours she spent consoling me after the deaths of my mother and father.

Cheryl is also well-loved by many in the "pirate re-enactment" world, where she has been an active and enthusiastic participant for many years. After years of sadness she has found something to bring her happiness with this special, fun loving community of fellow "pirates."

So, why should you help Cheryl, other than the reasons already listed? Because she is just like you and me, an average American working hard at an average job to make a living and keep a roof over her head, paying for so-called "affordable" health care, and finding that "affordable" health care is not affordable at all for someone employed full time. Now, because of the high costs of her medical bills she is finding it impossible to afford medications, medical procedures, food or to pay bills. In January she is facing two in-hospital stays that she cannot afford, but without this treatment her chances of survival narrow. After the hospital procedures she will need to go through all the original scan processes again to see if the treatment is working at all, or if another method needs to be used to combat this cancer. The good thing is that Cheryl's doctors have found that so far this cancer has not spread outside of the cervix, but without regular treatments until the cancer is destroyed the risk of it spreading becomes more likely.

Any and all funds will go towards paying Cheryl's rising medical costs. They will be directly deposited into her bank account. Nobody else will be accessing these funds.

We are hoping to raise these funds by the end of January in order to pay for the first round of in-hospital stays, the scans, and any other further treatment.

It would do a lot to help Cheryl fight this battle for her life, and take away some of the stress and fear that she will have to discontinue treatments because she simply cannot afford to carry on.

We would all be so grateful for your help in this battle to keep our friend alive.