“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu

Six years ago my only sibling, Katrina, was diagnosed with lymphoma. She sought aggressive treatment and chemotherapy, and was able to beat the cancer into remission.

Three months ago, on July 13, she suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the emergency room at a hospital in Indiana. On the way to the hospital she had two more heart attacks and was immediately sent for an 8-hour open-heart surgery and triple bypass. While she seemed to be recovering from the surgery well, she started to have several setbacks with constant fluid build up in her lungs. This caused her to be recommitted to hospital several times over the next two months. The doctors believed it was the cancer treatment that caused the major damage to her heart. Her only hope was a heart transplant or an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device).

Trina continued to have setbacks, and in September, much to our dismay, we were told that she would no longer be considered for a future transplant. There is simply too much damage to both left and right sides of her heart. Several weeks later, with less than 18% heart strength, she was sent home on hospice with a six-month prognosis.

This strong, beautiful and loving 47-year-old woman has survived so many things in her life, and some would consider her a miracle. We certainly do. She is my only sibling; we are less than year apart in age and were the closest of friends growing up.  She was my best friend and anchor and protected me harm so many times.

Now, it is my turn to protect her and stand by her side.

Last week, during my visit, she told the hospice nurse, “I do NOT want to die. I am not ready.  I will seek other treatments.”  Because of this decision she will be taken off all hospice care, which means her many daily medications will no longer be covered.

While Trina is on disability, it does not cover nearly the amount needed to pay the mortgage and monthly bills.  

During this time my mother has not left Trina’s side and will remain in Indiana as her caregiver. I have had so many friends reach out and help in ways I could have never imagined. Everything from gas cards, hotel points and airline miles so I could get to Indiana during the emergencies as well as the monthly trips that I have vowed to make for here on out. We have received so many inspirational gifts for her as well as special made blankets for both her and her dogs.

Many people have reached out to ask how they can help. And while I am not one to put my personal issues out for the world to see, I have learned not to be too proud to ask for help. So that is what I am doing.

I have signed up with GoFundMe.com in an effort to help raise much-needed money for my sister to have some of the basic comforts in life as well as help pay bills that are continually piling up.

Any donation, small or large, will be helpful. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.  

We will continue to fight and have hope.

Theresa M. Lyons
(Trina’s sister)