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Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Hearts,
I hope this message finds you well, as I humbly reach out to you during one of the most challenging times of my life. My name is Olivia Austin, a 32-year-old woman who was recently diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer after a devastating auto accident prompted doctors to run tests that they typically wouldn't have otherwise run. While I am grateful to have survived the wreck with only a few broken ribs and a concussion my journey to recovery has been filled with emotional and financial hurdles that I never anticipated.
During the CT scan at the hospital's trauma center, a series of unexpected discoveries unfolded. Two nodules were found on my thyroid, leading to a biopsy that confirmed the presence of papillary thyroid cancer. The news struck me like a lightning bolt, instantly enveloping my life with fear and uncertainty. Just a week later, I underwent a grueling five-hour surgery, where my thyroid and over 25 lymph nodes had to be removed to contain the spreading cancer cells.
The surgery was successful, but the recovery process has been physically and emotionally exhausting. For the entire week leading up to the surgery, I battled the pain and discomfort, grappling with the reality of facing my first major surgery and for cancer of all things. Regrettably, this meant being unable to work, despite my deep desire to contribute and support myself and my household. While I'm grateful to receive a small amount from my employer through short-term disability claims, the mounting bills are beginning to overtake me.
As I navigate this life-altering experience, I am now faced with overwhelming medical expenses. The initial hospital bills have already started to arrive, with the cost of crucial procedures like the PET scan alone amounting to $1600 after insurance payments. These financial obligations, coupled with the daily expenses of living and the upcoming radioactive iodine treatment in August, have placed an immense strain on my already fragile situation.
Though my family has been unwavering in their support, I am hesitant to financially burden them any further. They have already extended a helping hand many times, but the bills keep piling up, threatening to drown me in a sea of debt. In my search for financial assistance, I humbly turn to the generosity of friends, family, and kind-hearted individuals like yourself. Together, we can alleviate the immense financial burden that has come alongside my fight against cancer.
With your support, I hope to raise at least $60,000 to cover my immediate and future medical expenses, ensuring that I can receive the necessary treatment without compromising my financial well-being. Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a profound impact on my life and will provide the reassurance I need during this arduous journey.
I kindly request your empathy, understanding, and generosity as I strive to reclaim my life from the clutches of cancer. Please consider making a donation, sharing this campaign with your social network(s) of choice, or offering any assistance you can provide. Together, we can rewrite the story of my life, from one of uncertainty and struggle to one of resilience and triumph.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your unwavering support during this critical time. Your kindness and compassion give me strength and hope for a brighter future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Olivia Austin
Co-organizers (2)
Olivia Austin
Organizer
Pensacola, FL
Andrew Cantrell
Co-organizer