Help Bella Beat Cancer

On March 24, 2022, my younger sister, Isabella, at the young age of 19, was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Breast Carcinoma. With no family history of breast cancer, not carrying the specific gene predisposing her to this diagnosis and only 0.1% of breast cancer cases affecting girls under 25 years of age, her initial reaction was “why me?”.

 

This has forever changed the course of her life. If it wasn't for Isabella's great intuition she may not have caught it in time. In September 2021, after a routine examination with her OBGYN, she was told everything was fine and to return in another year. Isabella felt a small lump on the side of her breast but wrote it off, attributing it to maybe injuring herself while working out. Then a few months later, the lump was back. This prompted her to take action and here we are today.

 

Isabella will require chemotherapy, surgery then radiation therapy as part of her treatment plan. The treatments are slated to last an entire year. She will also be required to get injections for 10 additional years to prevent the cancer from possibly returning.  In addition to all of the treatments, Isabella was informed that her reproductive organs may be adversely impacted as a result of chemotherapy. If she wanted to have children in the future, she would have to undergo IVF treatments to freeze her eggs.  Isabella loves kids and has always dreamt of having her own children one day.

 

Isabella is currently completing her sophomore year of college remotely, when she is able, between treatments and doctors appointments. She is a resilient young lady who dreams of becoming a Physical Therapist one day. She has always wanted to dedicate her life to helping others. Recognizing the difficulties ahead of her, Isabella is forced to take the Fall semester off but plans to return in Spring 2023 to continue her collegiate plans.

 

Isabella has a supportive group of family and friends who are by her side helping in all the ways they can. However, the treatments, the medications and surgery are costly; and transportation back and forth to the treatment facility and various doctors appointments have placed an undue hardship on Isabella. Unfortunately, even in 2022, many of these expenses are not covered by insurance. However, we are hoping with the help of some very caring and compassionate individuals, we can all help Isabella reach her goal of successfully being CANCER FREE.

 

No donation is too small. If you are unable to contribute monetarily, please send prayers.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read Isabella’s story. Please allow her experience to be a reminder to everyone. If something in your body feels off, get it checked, regardless of your age. You just never know.