Cheryl's Brave Fight Against Multiple Myeloma

Help Cheryl and Celeste through this tough journey.

The friends of Cheryl and Celeste have created this fundraiser to provide them with financial support while Cheryl receives ongoing treatment for her multiple myeloma.* Their primary day to day focus needs to be on Cheryl's push through to remission and overall wellness, not the stress of financial survival.

Those who know Cheryl, know she is a fighter. She is one of the strongest, hardest working and giving people on the planet and has been her entire life. After working tirelessly running several of her own businesses over the years, she (and Celeste) decided it was time to end that run, and they closed 45 Market Street Bakery & Cafe in Somersworth back in November of 2023.

Since then, to help make ends meet, Cheryl had been "easing" into retirement by only working 40 hours a week or so between the Market & Cafe at Emery Farm and the Ice House (seasonally). This all stopped back in January, but ongoing life expenses and medical bills have not stopped. Fortunately, Celeste's job with Seacoast Eats Local is hybrid to accommodate her ever changing needs of Cheryl's care.

When not working, these two are avid gardeners, enjoy traveling, camping or can be found at a New England fair, as Cheryl often competed (and won) in the frying pan toss and ax throwing events.

There is so much more to tell about this amazing human that is now unexpectedly forced to limit her activities and remain focused on regimented treatment for the foreseeable future. No one plans for this turn of events, financially or otherwise. Now seems like just the time to give back and help Cheryl and Celeste have financial peace of mind during this challenging time!

For those who do not know the details of Cheryl's medical journey thus far...

At the end of January, after months of un-diagnosed back pain and fatigue, Cheryl was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.* Some blood work showed she was on the verge of complete kidney failure. She was immediately hospitalized and further exploration and testing revealed the multiple myeloma as it had spread to her skull.

*Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Early on, multiple myeloma may not cause any symptoms and may go un-diagnosed until the cancer has progressed to cause severe bone pain, fatigue, anemia, kidney problems, infection and fractures.

Cheryl is currently at home and undergoing aggressive twice weekly treatment. She has completed several rounds of chemotherapy and one round of radiation thus far. She will soon be at Dartmouth Hitchcock to work on a plan for a stem cell transplant and any other targeted treatments, likely in the coming months once chemotherapy is done.

The prognosis for multiple myeloma varies depending on several factors. There is no cure for multiple myeloma, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and extend life expectancy. Research is ongoing to develop new and more effective treatments for multiple myeloma.

Thank you for your time reading about Cheryl's ongoing fight and for considering becoming part of their ever growing community of love and support. Their community means the world to them and positive thoughts, energy, and support are immense in carrying them through this unexpected journey.

On Behalf of Cheryl and Celeste - Peace, Love, and Gratitude!