Christy Mendez-Hauslein's Battle with Cancer

Hi, I'm Sarah Coats, a friend of Christy Hauslein! Our boys play middle school basketball together. She is one of the strongest and most determined women I know. She battled breast cancer in 2013 but unfortunately is facing it again. Even when she does not feel good, she puts others above herself! She is so thoughtful and caring. The best word I can use to describe Christy is SELFLESS. She was reluctant to let me start fundraising for her because she did not want to inconvenience others. She and her husband, Jim, are hard-working people who love their family and friends. Please read her story below and consider helping them in their time of need. They have tried so many options, but could really use us to rally together to support them at this time. Her cheapest (and only currently available) health insurance option is not cheap, but necessary to receive the expensive medical treatments she needs daily. Read Christy's story below and prayerfully consider donating to support her family! Thanks for your time and consideration!

Christy's Story:

In 2013 I was diagnosed with Inflammatory breast cancer (relatively rare) stage IIIC at the age of 37. I had chemotherapy, a mastectomy, more chemotherapy, and 35 radiation treatments. In February of 2014, I was clear of cancer! I beat it! It was a miracle because, at that time, there was a less than 10% survival rate.

Fast forward to July 2021. Things were going great! I went back to school, changed jobs, and was feeling confident. The cancer had finally not been at the forefront of my mind as it had been. I lived and accomplished goals I had put off for a very long time. Then, I went to urgent care in July because I noticed being short of breath and having a cough. They said it was pneumonia. After a few days without improvement, my doctor ran my chest and abdomen scans. I got the biggest gut-punch of my life, at age 45. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer. I had several lesions on the liver, all over my spine, ribs, pelvis, and arms, and had a malignant pleural effusion.

I met with the oncologist, and of course, there is no cure. Treatment is palliative but not curative. I have responded well to current treatment for now, but it will eventually stop working, and I will move on to other treatment options.

My greatest accomplishments in life are my kids! They are good, kind people who love each other and help others! On March 1st, 2022, Jim and I will be married 20 years and together for 30 years. He is hardworking and works way too much to pay our bills since we are down an income. It’s really difficult for me to remember a time before we were together

In the face of all this (cancer), it has always been my motto to handle every day with a smile, courage, and grace, with a fierce fight in me. It worked well the first time I had cancer. This time it is a little more difficult. I hurt more and am always tired. However, I get to wake up, hug my kids, and tell my family I love them. I help those I can, and, of course, go to every single basketball game I can lol. I’m able to make things right and not leave things unsaid. Not many people get that chance, and for that, I am grateful!

There is so much good in this world. There is so much more good than bad. If you look, you see it everyday! Cancer has given me that.... I see the good every single day!