Cyd Funk Cancer Support Fund

The plan was looking REALLY good. Graduate from Westminster College in May, summa cum laude, with dual degrees in Philosophy and Political Science? Check. Prepare to embark on graduate studies and teaching in the University of Missouri’s Philosophy M.A. program? Check. Take up residence in a fun, new apartment with her best canine friend, Stump Chunkman, and acquire proficiency with a crockpot? Check. But on the day that Cyd moved into her new apartment, she received a diagnosis that no 22-year-old should ever have to face: acute myeloid leukemia. Cyd is handling her new reality with a characteristic mixture of mordant wit, concern for her family’s well-being, and rigorous analytical inquiry. But this is really, really hard.

Here’s the gritty truth: Cyd is facing at least a month in the hospital, many months of chemotherapy and other associated treatments, and an astronomical set of medical expenses. Because her grad school plans are now on hold, she will have no income, and no health insurance beyond Medicaid. She is surrounded by loving, supportive family, but her father, Pete, must rely on disability benefits, and Cyd’s treatment costs will far outstrip anything that these wonderful people can afford. They are devastated, exhausted, and need a boost from their extended community of friends.

If you would like to contribute to Cyd’s recovery, this campaign offers one supremely helpful way to do so! 100% of the donations generated here will go directly to Cyd and will be used for living expenses and help in defraying the staggering costs of her medical care. This is our initial fundraising goal. Cyd's medical costs will inevitably surpass this amount by a lot, and we may revisit this goal moving forward.

Another great way to show your love is with meal preparation and delivery! If you’d like to contribute gastronomically a Meal Train link is available upon request!

Right now, in order to protect her immune system, Cyd is only able to receive visits from immediate family. However, please feel free to reach out to her over Facebook, email, or whatever method you traditionally use to speak with her. If you’d like to send her a message via snail mail, that address is available upon request. Thank you so very much for your love and support of the amazing Cyd Funk!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Heidi LaVine or Kali Wright-Smith.