Desirae’s Fight with Breast Cancer

Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Supporters,

If you know Desirae, you love her. To describe Desirae is easy and comes with an endless list of beautiful qualities. A heart of gold, the heart and mindset of a servant to others, resilient, strong, a smile that lights up the whole city, soul searching eyes, the determination of a warrior, a mother to all who need one, a friend for life, and so much more.

On October 14th, Desirae’s life took an unexpected turn when she rushed to the ER for a massive mass under her armpit. Little did she know that this would be the beginning of her battle against breast cancer.

After undergoing 7 biopsies on November 7th, the results on November 14th confirmed all fears - stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in her right breast, along with an unknown cancer that had spread to her right axillary lymph nodes. In current tests, she’s learned that more than 10 lymph nodes are abnormally enlarged. The journey ahead was daunting, but she finds solace in the care of the incredible team at the Rogel Cancer Unit at the University of Michigan.

On November 27th, she had her first visit with Dr. Sabel and Dr. Vanpoznack, and together, they’ve mapped out a treatment plan. December 14th marked her first chemo treatment, and amidst the challenges, a glimmer of hope – her scans revealed no distant cancer.

However, the road ahead is long, and she is reaching out to you for support. The costs associated with battling cancer are overwhelming - from gas for the 2-hour drive from Newberry to Marquette for treatment, to hotel stays, prescriptions, and special needs like comfortable clothing for travel and treatment, cosmetic needs, and potentially a wig.

The financial burden extends beyond treatments. Disability approval is pending, a process that can take 4 to 6 months. Insurance is in the works, but coverage is limited.

Your support will make a significant impact, helping her access the care she needs and easing the financial strain during this challenging time. Your generous contributions will go towards clothes for travel, comfort during treatments and recovery, gas, hotel stays, prescriptions- many of these medications will be added as she moves through her cancer journey, cosmetic needs, special foods like ensure, and potential wig expenses.

As she faces surgery, a 6-hour journey from home to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, your kindness will provide the means to navigate these challenges with strength and resilience.

I know Des is profoundly grateful for any support you can provide. Your generosity will not only assist her practically but will be a beacon of hope and comfort on this difficult journey. Thank you for standing by her in this fight against breast cancer.

With heartfelt gratitude,

A dear friend,

Kate Z