Lauren's Medical Expenses
Donation protected
Lauren is a wife, mother of three girls (ages 4,6,8) and former teacher. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer on 11/11/2015 and then with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer on 12/21/2017.
For more information on her story check out her blog at: PursuitOfKindness.com
She wrote the following letter to explain how she will utilize the funds.
Friends,
I want to explain the purpose of this GoFundMe.
Currently I am on a medication that is similar to chemo. It is supposed to halt the growth of cells that multiply like cancer. It, like chemo, also wipes out my immune system, affects my heart and liver. As my immune system, heart or liver weaken, I will no longer be able to take this medication. In fact, I have been on the medication for less than a month and my doctor is already discussing the reduction of my dosage because of my compromised immunity. This is a brand new medication and statistically, it offers 36 months of progression free time, meaning for up to 36 months my cancer will hold tight, and not spread.
I am very thankful for this medication, but 3 years still doesn’t sound that great. So, I have decided to pursue naturopathic treatments in addition to my traditional ones. The naturopathic doctors will work to protect my liver, heart and especially boost my immune system. If I can use traditional medications to hold the cancer, and then add in a strong immune system to fight the cancer, I may be able to push the cancer back rather than have it creep forward.
I have learned from listening to my husband and family, that is important for me to “leave no stone left unturned.” I don’t want anyone to regret that we did not pursue some possible solution. Therefore, we met with two naturopathic doctors. These doctors are not covered under insurance and so their knowledge and treatments do not come cheap.
Before proceeding, I do want to acknowledge my own selfishness in this request. To be completely honest, if Clifton were to drop-out of school we would probably not need to make this request. But, I will not contemplate the idea that Clifton should drop out of his PhD program in order to pay for my treatments. I don’t want cancer to steal that from him. I believe Clifton is supposed to push through his classes no matter how difficult it seems. I hope this PhD will give him more opportunities for providing for the girls and give him a flexible schedule in the future. I want this for him. Of course, if my condition worsens, everything is subject to change, but as long as I can stay strong, this is my desire for him.
So, I am left asking others for help, something that is not easy but a request for an act of kindness holds a unique strength, and I believe, there are great stockpiles of kindness in this world ready to serve those in need.
My request, if you would like to help, is that instead of sending a care package, flowers or dinner, you donate $10-$20. I am confident that there are enough people who want to participate in our lives, that $10 donations will quickly add up.
The treatments that I intend to pursue through the donations are doctor visits, blood work, supplements, and immunity boosting infusions. Many of the treatments are standard care in Europe but are simply not FDA approved. Johns Hopkins University currently has a clinical trial pursuing the necessary data needed here in the U.S. to receive FDA approval, but these processes will take years to complete. Since I do not have years to spare, we are going to move ahead with treatments even though they are not covered by insurance.
I do want to acknowledge and thank everyone who has brought us meals these past 2 years, everyone who has driven my girls to school or sat on my couch and drank tea. Thank you to everyone who has read and shared my blog, and I hope you continue to do so. I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer only a month ago, and already so much has changed in our lives. I intend to write as much as I can in the coming months, and I hope you are encouraged and fortified by every post.
Thank you for your every act of kindness.
Initial Start up: $4000
Ongoing Monthly: $2100
Baseline Scan: Jan 5, 2017
Second Scan: April (Hope to see some response to initial immunity boost)
Third Scan: July (Hope to see additional response from all ongoing treatments)
Financial Breakout
Initial Appointments $1000
Monthly Blood work $200
Monthly Doctors $300
Initial Infusion $3000
Ongoing Immunity Injections $400
Immunity Supplements $400
Cancer Killing Supplements $400
Total Needed from Feb 1-July 1: $14,500
After the July 1 scan all treatments will be re-evaluated as to their effectiveness.
Treatments are given through Walnut Creek Naturopathic, Walnut Creek, CA.
For more information on her story check out her blog at: PursuitOfKindness.com
She wrote the following letter to explain how she will utilize the funds.
Friends,
I want to explain the purpose of this GoFundMe.
Currently I am on a medication that is similar to chemo. It is supposed to halt the growth of cells that multiply like cancer. It, like chemo, also wipes out my immune system, affects my heart and liver. As my immune system, heart or liver weaken, I will no longer be able to take this medication. In fact, I have been on the medication for less than a month and my doctor is already discussing the reduction of my dosage because of my compromised immunity. This is a brand new medication and statistically, it offers 36 months of progression free time, meaning for up to 36 months my cancer will hold tight, and not spread.
I am very thankful for this medication, but 3 years still doesn’t sound that great. So, I have decided to pursue naturopathic treatments in addition to my traditional ones. The naturopathic doctors will work to protect my liver, heart and especially boost my immune system. If I can use traditional medications to hold the cancer, and then add in a strong immune system to fight the cancer, I may be able to push the cancer back rather than have it creep forward.
I have learned from listening to my husband and family, that is important for me to “leave no stone left unturned.” I don’t want anyone to regret that we did not pursue some possible solution. Therefore, we met with two naturopathic doctors. These doctors are not covered under insurance and so their knowledge and treatments do not come cheap.
Before proceeding, I do want to acknowledge my own selfishness in this request. To be completely honest, if Clifton were to drop-out of school we would probably not need to make this request. But, I will not contemplate the idea that Clifton should drop out of his PhD program in order to pay for my treatments. I don’t want cancer to steal that from him. I believe Clifton is supposed to push through his classes no matter how difficult it seems. I hope this PhD will give him more opportunities for providing for the girls and give him a flexible schedule in the future. I want this for him. Of course, if my condition worsens, everything is subject to change, but as long as I can stay strong, this is my desire for him.
So, I am left asking others for help, something that is not easy but a request for an act of kindness holds a unique strength, and I believe, there are great stockpiles of kindness in this world ready to serve those in need.
My request, if you would like to help, is that instead of sending a care package, flowers or dinner, you donate $10-$20. I am confident that there are enough people who want to participate in our lives, that $10 donations will quickly add up.
The treatments that I intend to pursue through the donations are doctor visits, blood work, supplements, and immunity boosting infusions. Many of the treatments are standard care in Europe but are simply not FDA approved. Johns Hopkins University currently has a clinical trial pursuing the necessary data needed here in the U.S. to receive FDA approval, but these processes will take years to complete. Since I do not have years to spare, we are going to move ahead with treatments even though they are not covered by insurance.
I do want to acknowledge and thank everyone who has brought us meals these past 2 years, everyone who has driven my girls to school or sat on my couch and drank tea. Thank you to everyone who has read and shared my blog, and I hope you continue to do so. I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer only a month ago, and already so much has changed in our lives. I intend to write as much as I can in the coming months, and I hope you are encouraged and fortified by every post.
Thank you for your every act of kindness.
Initial Start up: $4000
Ongoing Monthly: $2100
Baseline Scan: Jan 5, 2017
Second Scan: April (Hope to see some response to initial immunity boost)
Third Scan: July (Hope to see additional response from all ongoing treatments)
Financial Breakout
Initial Appointments $1000
Monthly Blood work $200
Monthly Doctors $300
Initial Infusion $3000
Ongoing Immunity Injections $400
Immunity Supplements $400
Cancer Killing Supplements $400
Total Needed from Feb 1-July 1: $14,500
After the July 1 scan all treatments will be re-evaluated as to their effectiveness.
Treatments are given through Walnut Creek Naturopathic, Walnut Creek, CA.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lydia Fisher
Organizer
Bell Buckle, TN
Lauren Huffmaster
Beneficiary
