Patti (Stary) O'Dell Family Support Fund

Friends and family are working in partnership to organize and launch this Go Fund Me Fundraising project to generate needed financial support for our beloved friend and sister, Patti (Stary) O’Dell, as she goes through breast cancer treatments and recovery.

We want to tell you a little about Patti before asking for your help.

All those who know Patti would agree that she is the definition of compassion. She has a heart of gold and brings kindness and friendship to all she meets. Patti is an artist and advocate for the arts, a teacher, an emerging children’s book writer and illustrator, a humanitarian, and most importantly, a nurturing, attentive mother of two beautiful children, Kendra, age 22, and Finley, age 16. Kendra and Finley are the grounding force in Patti’s life, especially now as she goes through this challenging part of her life journey. They have joined in solidarity with their mother by attending treatments, shaving a head full of beautiful curly hair(!), making meals and supporting her however possible. Indeed not what the average teen and young adult are focused on; however, they are intentional in their commitment to their mom.

In May of this year, Patti had her annual mammogram. The questionable results of the mammogram prompted a core biopsy of her left breast, leading to a diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Subsequently, genetic testing resulted in a positive indication of the HER2 gene. (The HER2 gene causes tumors to grow more aggressively.) Patti was put on the fast track to remove the cancerous tumor and three lymph nodes on 6/14.

The surgical removal of the tumor was just the beginning of Patti’s treatment. Patti began 12 weeks of chemotherapy, Taxol, on July 19th. In addition to the chemo infusions, a critical part of her treatment is the weekly adjunctive anti-HER2 treatment of Herceptin. Herceptin and radiation therapy will continue for one year. Her oncologist has advised her that her treatments and recovery will be her focus for a year or more.

Given Patti’s extensive treatments and their effects, she will be unable to maintain employment. With minimal resources in the coming year, it will be impossible for Patti to support her family and cover the many life and medical expenses not paid for by insurance.

The saying, “It takes a village…” is fitting. It will not be an easy effort, but with the support of family and friends near and far, we can help Patti and her family weather the financial challenges while also encouraging them to focus their energy on the process of healing.

We humbly invite you to consider donating to provide Patti and her children with the financial support they need for the coming year. Please help us spread the word to as many friends as possible. Patti and her family extend their deep gratitude for your love and support!