Help Courtney defeat LCH

'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' -Philippians 4:13


Courtney Short is a single mother, who was recently diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH). This cancer causes a variety of devastating symptoms, because it is rare, government funding is at a minimum. This disease usually is found in young children, there have only been a few cases with adults, it is estimated that it occurs in 1-2 adults per million people. Because it is so uncommon for it to be found in adults, it was very difficult to find a Doctor to take Courtney's case. This rare disease begins in LCH cells (a type of dendritic cell which fights infection) sometimes there is changes in LCH cells that form. These changes may cause the LCH cells to grow and multiply quickly. This causes the LCH cells to build up in certain parts of the body, where they can damage tissue or form lesions. Courtney's journey began back in April when she began to have severe headaches and blurred vision and a cyst like bump formed on her Head. She went to multiple appointments with several different types of Doctors but still had no answers, Doctors brushed it off as stress but the symptoms were getting worse every day. Courtney knew something wasn’t right so she was persistent with following up with different doctors. Finally, she was scheduled for surgery on June 27th to remove the bump. When the Doctor performed the surgery, he was only able to remove a small portion because he discovered the bump was deep into the skull only inches from her brain, they sent it to pathology and it came back to be this rare cancer, she was immediately scheduled to see an oncologist. She has had bone marrow biopsy’s, pet scans, and numerous different testing done, Not only does she now have a spot on her head she also has spots on her ribs which has caused her ribs to fracture and is in extreme pain. On August 6th she was told she has to have chemo and radiation for a year. She will begin chemo soon along with radiation because doctors are worried it will begin spreading throughout her body.
Courtney recently went through an ugly divorce and has worked hard to provide for her 3 year old son on her own with no help from his father who has had very limited dealings with their son and gets no child support or financial help. She hasn't been able to work since June 27th she has used up any and all vacation time and sick time; she has no type of disability available and doesn't qualify for any type of assistance. Courtney also has type one diabetes that she was diagnosed with at age 9. Courtney has accomplished so much at the young age of 25; she's a hard worker and just purchased her own home a little over a year ago, we don’t want to see her lose everything she has worked so hard for and we are asking for help from friends and family while she goes through this journey over the next year beginning treatment. She has many medical bills and a mortgage she is unable to pay now. ALL prayers and ANY contributions are appreciated, it all helps! Courtney strives to raise and be all that she can be for her son. She does not want his life to be disrupted while undergoing treatment. Courtney has been so strong through all of this, she is truly an inspiration to us all. Her faith and beliefs in God are truly where her strength has come from. Her beliefs, along with her family and friends standing behind her has helped her to stand strong and be up for the fight!




'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give  you hope and a future.'   -Jeremiah 29:11