Medical Bills
Donation protected
My name is Casshandra Smith, and I am the proud mother of two amazing children, Sha-Keta (25) and Sa-Von (19). At the age of 41, I have always been a young mother, but I never wanted that to hinder my ability to raise my children. Providing for my children through hard work and dedication has always been my first priority. I have tirelessly worked (sometimes more than one job), sacrificing anything possible to make sure my children were given the best opportunities in life.
I am proud to say that my hard work and dedication paid off. Sha-Keta is all grown up, working and providing for herself. Sa-Von is a sophomore at Prairie View A&M University, majoring in architecture. As a parent, the best gift you can receive is to see your children succeed. Thank you to all of our family and friends that have supported us throughout the years. Your kindness and giving are much appreciated!
As my nest emptied, I was blindsided with a serious medical crisis. After many years of suffering through gynecological illnesses, I was rushed to the hospital over the summer. At the time, I did not have medical insurance, so the process in diagnosing the issue was quite lengthy. The professionals at Ben Taub performed a biopsy and I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer. On Monday, October 20, I will undergo a full hysterectomy. Because of the amount of blood loss that I experience daily, my surgery is complicated by a necessary transfusion before we can begin surgery. Sunday night, I will go in for the transfusion before surgery begins Monday morning. While the surgery scenario is less than ideal, my prognosis is VERY good! The doctors believe that removal of the reproductive system will eliminate the need for further post-op cancer treatment.
I do now have insurance, but will be responsible for 50% of the cost of surgery (undetermined at this time, but estimated between $10,000 & $20,000). More importantly, is that I will not be able to work during my recovery time. Unfortunately, my employer does not provide short-term disability. I still have a household to maintain, as well as the expenses of my son’s college education. My recovery time will be a minimum of 6 weeks. During this time, I will not be receiving a paycheck.
I do not take lightly to asking for help. Honestly, my loved ones demanded that we do this, after exhausting many other options. As many have stated, in an attempt to comfort me, in this time of asking for help…this is not something anyone can truly “plan” for. Usually, we like to plan for big expenses – be it college, retirement, purchasing a home, or even just planning for a new car. I never really thought I would need to plan for cancer at age 41.
If you are able to give, please know that all donations will go directly toward medical expenses, household maintenance, and college expenses for the time period in which I am unable to work and provide for my family. If you are able to give, I want you to know that my children and I are SO grateful for your generosity…there are no words to express the gratitude that we feel. I hope that one day, I will be able to return the favor to someone in need.
If you are unable to give monetarily, please consider the gift of prayer for me and my family. While writing this, I may sound strong, but in reality, I’m very scared. Faith in our Savior will keep me going, and the power of prayer is an amazing gift from our Father.
Thank you so much for reading my story. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
_________________________________
I am proud to say that my hard work and dedication paid off. Sha-Keta is all grown up, working and providing for herself. Sa-Von is a sophomore at Prairie View A&M University, majoring in architecture. As a parent, the best gift you can receive is to see your children succeed. Thank you to all of our family and friends that have supported us throughout the years. Your kindness and giving are much appreciated!
As my nest emptied, I was blindsided with a serious medical crisis. After many years of suffering through gynecological illnesses, I was rushed to the hospital over the summer. At the time, I did not have medical insurance, so the process in diagnosing the issue was quite lengthy. The professionals at Ben Taub performed a biopsy and I was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer. On Monday, October 20, I will undergo a full hysterectomy. Because of the amount of blood loss that I experience daily, my surgery is complicated by a necessary transfusion before we can begin surgery. Sunday night, I will go in for the transfusion before surgery begins Monday morning. While the surgery scenario is less than ideal, my prognosis is VERY good! The doctors believe that removal of the reproductive system will eliminate the need for further post-op cancer treatment.
I do now have insurance, but will be responsible for 50% of the cost of surgery (undetermined at this time, but estimated between $10,000 & $20,000). More importantly, is that I will not be able to work during my recovery time. Unfortunately, my employer does not provide short-term disability. I still have a household to maintain, as well as the expenses of my son’s college education. My recovery time will be a minimum of 6 weeks. During this time, I will not be receiving a paycheck.
I do not take lightly to asking for help. Honestly, my loved ones demanded that we do this, after exhausting many other options. As many have stated, in an attempt to comfort me, in this time of asking for help…this is not something anyone can truly “plan” for. Usually, we like to plan for big expenses – be it college, retirement, purchasing a home, or even just planning for a new car. I never really thought I would need to plan for cancer at age 41.
If you are able to give, please know that all donations will go directly toward medical expenses, household maintenance, and college expenses for the time period in which I am unable to work and provide for my family. If you are able to give, I want you to know that my children and I are SO grateful for your generosity…there are no words to express the gratitude that we feel. I hope that one day, I will be able to return the favor to someone in need.
If you are unable to give monetarily, please consider the gift of prayer for me and my family. While writing this, I may sound strong, but in reality, I’m very scared. Faith in our Savior will keep me going, and the power of prayer is an amazing gift from our Father.
Thank you so much for reading my story. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
_________________________________
Organizer
Casshandra Smith
Organizer
Alief, TX
