As some of you are aware my best friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July 2012.   After a full radical hysterectomy and oopherectomy and 5 grueling months of chemotherapy, Chrissy fought so hard and stayed positive we really thought we had won the battle. Last year, to further secure the battle result in her favor she underwent a full double mastectomy and reconstruction. Because of the BRCA1 gene mutation she carries, this was another step she could take for the best chance on a non recurrence. 

After three years of being cancer free and feeling like life was giving her another chance, we found out the cancer has returned. This is so devastating to all of us. I can't even begin to imagine how Chrissy is feeling inside. The thought of having to do this all over again the chemo, sickness, hair loss, financially, emotionally must be so overwhelming. She is so very strong and trying to keep herself busy, but as her best friend I see things that no one else can see. I know she is worried about Sabrina her daughter who is just 12yrs old. I also know that she is upset about losing her hair again. She feels terrible for her husband, because he too has to go through this battle again after believing they had already won. Cancer affects everyone around you. She knows this. I know she doesn't want to burden anyone. I also know that when you're sick you need help. She is so strong, she would never ask for it.

To further complicate things, her mom also carries this mutation BRCA1 battled breast cancer many years ago and as soon as Chrissy finished her chemo found out she too had an advanced ovarian cancer. Her prognosis is uncertain. Most people battling cancer have someone to take care of their children in the worst of cases. Chrissy can not 100% feel settled about Sabrina's future. Even though Sabrina has her dad, who is now remarried, its scary to her. Chrissy wants Sabrina to go to college. That was always non negiotable. Wouldn't be wonderful if college was already a paid for done deal? One less thing on her mind. As Sabrina's godmother, I will make sure Chrissy knows she has nothing to fear with regard to Sabrina's future. I will be here for Sabrina forever, 100%, every step of the way. 

One of the things she keeps mentioning is this cap. Its called the Penguin Cold Cap. It significantly reduces the hair loss that people receiving chemo experience. The cost is $580 per month and it would be worn the entire 5 months throughout the chemotherapy treatment sessions. Even though she looks fabulous without hair, I understand the feeling of wanting to still feel beautiful. If she thinks she would be more beautiful with less hair loss then she should have the cap. Whatever makes her comfortable. Many of us take so much for granted. 

I recently got the numbers from her on cost of cancer for someone with insurance. The plan has a $4,000.00 annual out of pocked max that doesn't include the $1,000.00 deductible. As luck would have it, the word "annual" makes the above numbers double since the treatment goes into 2016. So she is looking at a $10,000 expense to try to beat this again. I just can not imagine what her and her husband are feeling right now. Keep in mind the first battle hasn't been paid off yet. We tried to do fundraisers for her, but hurricane Sandy hit us and everyones focus shifted to helping those victims. 

If you decide to donate I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. It probably wont have an impact on cancer, but maybe it will allow her to not worry while she is fighting. Its all I can think of to do right now. Even people with access to millions can't cure cancer. My wish is that everyone should share a friendship in their life like I have with Chrissy. I feel so blessed for the 30+ years we have as best friends. I love her with all my heart and soul unconditionally.

If you read this and decide not to donate for whatever reason, please just say a prayer. Tomorrow is the surgery 11/4. After that the real battle begins. We are not sure what to expect this time around. We need the power of prayer.

I was put in Chrissy's life 30+ yrs ago. I know what it is to love someone unconditionally. God brought her Sabrina so that she got to experience being a mom. Something she always wanted in life. She was also blessed to have Albert come back into her life and show her what it is to be cherished and loved by a truly good man. My wish for her is that she fights even harder than she did the first round so she can be with us forever. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Elizabeth D'Avanzo