Denise's Support Fund

So...this sassy lady with the incredible silver hair? Well, this is Denise LaBarre. She is my best friend. She is my sister. She's an incredible cook. She's one of the most funny people I have ever known. We laugh until we cry and can't breathe. You know that feeling? 

Denise has this story to tell; actually her life would make a best-selling book on every chart possible. Not only does she have a story to tell, but everyone she has ever come into contact with would have stories. Stories that would make you laugh, cry, gasp, and ultimately restore your faith in people. Denise is a human being like none other. She's the kind of person you need in your life. Anyone who knows her will agree to that whole-heartedly.

She's kind, thoughtful, generous, loyal, strong, brave, tender, funny, caring...and you know what? She's a badass. And she never gives up when she believes in something or someone. Denise has this gift that allows her to make complete strangers fall madly in love with who she is. She's the kind of woman whose name you never forget even if you've only met her in passing. 

In 2007, Denise was given the news. You know the news I'm talking about. The news that stops you in your tracks. The news that is completely surreal; as if you are watching a movie or reading a book about someone else. Anyone else. 

Stage 4 Breast Cancer.

While those around her panicked, cried, and prayed desperately for miracles, Denise made a choice. She chose to heal her cancer rather than fight it. She chose to visualize infected cells leaving her body and she chose to be strong and positive. And you know what? She's never stopped. She's a force to be reckoned with. And she does it all wearing lipstick and fur coats.

It's not been an easy 8 years. And as much as it's hard for those of us around Denise who can't imagine our lives without her, it is she alone who has been through some dark, scary places. Biopsies, radiation, chemotherapy, mastectomy, prophylactic ovary removal, ports, injections, infusions, lymphedema, the list goes on and on.

What's hard is that whenever there has been good news, it is followed by news of more disease. Metastatic cancer is the kind that starts in one area (breast cancer) and then works its way around the whole body though it is still considered breast cancer. Currently, Denise has disease in her breast, lymph, bones, and maybe even some other places of which I'm unaware. The past several months she has been without a speaking voice and no one can seem to figure out why. Whispering all the time isn't so bad, right? But her esophogus has not allowed her to eat well or even drink much. She is short of breath, considerably more tired due to lack of oxygen and has lost over 40 pounds in the last 8-10 weeks. Though she will tell you she "needed it," there is a huge difference between healthy weight loss and your body starving.

She has been blessed to have all of her tests and treatments covered during these trying times. But what I haven't told you yet about this amazing woman is that she is a self-employed massage therapist. Not just any massage therapist; the kind that can lay her hands on you and know exactly what type of pain or discomfort you are experiencing. The kind of therapist that actually heals you and not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. She is an incredibly gifted lady. Truly. A gifted lady that now struggles to share that with the world.

Though she has tried her best to maintain her client base, Denise has reached a point where her income isn't even enough to cover basic living expenses. She never complains, she rarely asks for help....but that's what I'm here for. 

So today I come to you: friends, family, neighbors, strangers, clients, people who can relate to this story - to ask for your support. First and foremost for your prayers as Denise continues to heal her disease. But also for your financial contributions. 

If this story has touched your heart at all, if you have been through similar situations or have stood by someone who has, please consider donating to Denise to keep her happy, healthy, and comfortable. 

Thank you so much for taking time to read my words. I hope they have left you feeling compelled and convicted to help in any way that you can.

Yours in Prayer,

Laura Beth Hayes