Fighting to Survive Epithelioid Sarcoma

Today, we implore the help of family, friends and strangers to help keep our sister afloat while she fights to survive stage IV epitheliod sarcoma cancer.

Being one of the rarest forms of cancer known to man, the amount of testing, medications and days off from work has been inundating and stressful for her.

She strives to live every day to her fullest, but can’t do it alone. Financially we ask that you consider donating whatever you can, so that she can worry a little less about her finances and take the time to focus on her well being. We too ask that you keep Claudia and our family in your prayers during this most trying time. 

Here is the story from Claudia:

”February 11, 2020 would have made 1 year that I’d be cancer free, but unfortunately God had a different plan for me.

I am clinically diagnosed with stage IV Epithelioid Sarcoma. A rare type of cancer that lives in the soft tissue of my body. Around 1 in every million Americans get this type of cancer a year. It’s not hereditary, my body just forms these bad cells.... bad luck in other words.

Last year I was fortunate enough to have the be originally discovered sarcoma removed. It was a 4cm tumor behind my knee, removed with a wide resection of tissue to assure that
1.) all the cancer is removed
and
2.) that it doesn’t come back in the same area because this type of cancer has that attribute.

Sarcomas have shown to have the tendency to aggressively and quickly come back and spread. Once it’s advanced and spread, it’s harder to control.

This surgery left me practically bed ridden for 3 months, and at 24 I had to reteach myself how to walk normally or even up the stairs again.
It was the hardest and most physically and emotionally exhausting experience I have ever been through, which has has ultimately changed who I am forever.
I always said how much I never wished this experience upon anyone and that I surely never wanted to go through that again.

.....Surgery this time around is unfortunately not an option. It has advanced and metastasized to the lymphnodes in my groin, bones, lungs and abdominal. And right now, I definitely can go back on my word and say I wish I could go through surgery again, if it meant I’d be cured.

Sarcomas are rare and hard to understand, which is why there aren’t many effective methods of treatment that have cured this nasty and stubborn disease.

Since February 2020, I have undergone two clinical trials, immunotherapy and radiation to try and tackle this beast and at the least prevent it from spreading anymore, which would buy me time and hope to continue to live my life, which at 26 years old, just started.

Unfortunately, these treatments have not been successful.

My tumors have now spread into my lungs and abdomen and I have started the first of 6 treatments of aggressive chemotherapy, which I will be combatting with for the next few months into the new year.

Alongside my new treatment, I am battling with a blood disorder that has worsened through all of this and lymphedema that has formed in my left leg as a result of the tumors that have comprised the lymphnodes in my groin.

I unfortunately had to take time off of work to partake in now my 5th treatment that is already unfathomably exhausting.

I have a long and unpredicted journey ahead of me.
I feel pain in my heart not only for myself, but for my loved ones and all those out there who are suffering from this as well.
It is hard to comprehend, hard to accept and even harder to live with. I thank everyone who is, and will continue to be, by my side supporting and helping me through this time, including my doctors and the wonderful staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering who do everything they can to help. 

I always thought sharing a story as personal as this would be a cry for attention, but after really letting what is actually happening to me settle in, I feel like it’s a need.
When I first found out what my cancer is called I searched and searched and searched for articles and personal stories about this... someone who has gone through it, someone who understands, someone, well, like me... But through all my rigorous research I realized there aren't many, even with the large social media platform that exists today.
There are so many yet so little people out there with this, and if I could share my story, maybe it could help another in my situation or anyone for that matter.. 

I really took the saying “live everyday as if it’s your last” lightly, and now, I can’t stress it enough.

Every moment is precious. And maybe this reminder to live your life, keep love in your heart, be kind to others and do not ignore your body and health will resonate with others.

I am scared.... but most importantly I am hopeful and strong and keep God by my side at all time and this combined with a great support system, anything is possible!

I am now a Sarcoma Warrior as I see many of my fellow sarcoma fighters saying and I am ready to kick some sarcoma ass !

It’s unfortunate that I have to call on others for monetary support but as I’m sure we all know, insurance doesn’t cover everything and cancer surely doesn’t just stop at the door of my doctor’s offices.

Everyday I fight and my life continues to do 180’s in such short periods of time, which is why continued support, especially now during my time off work, is tremendously appreciated.

I truly cannot thank you all enough who have already contributed. My heart is overwhelmed with all the love and support I already have and continue to receive.

Every dollar, every prayer and every share will help me get by through this difficult time. Thank you <3”