Gemini's Medical Fund - F#CK CANCER

I always wondered how people sit down to do this. I struggled with it, as I am aware that I have more than many; how could I ask people for help (not exactly my strong suit) when I am so fortunate in so many ways?

The answer came from a shockingly unexpected source: a friend who works with an organization whose goal is to take care of those who need the basics and more. One would think, with her background, that I might be chastised for lamenting my situation. Instead, I was smacked upside the head in another way.

"Don't compare your situation to others; don't marginalize what you need and where you are, right here, right now. You need to learn to ask for help."

So I am.

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Who am I?

I am a sister, an aunt, a niece, a lover, a friend, a wannabe chef, a gastronmical enthusiast, a social media nuisance, a writer and artist, a lover of travel, books, tattoos, dogs, Burning Man, music, and life experience. I have some amazing family and framily and friends. I don't meet strangers but friends and teachers. I talk too much, sing along with the car radio, doctor up my coffee, and can't go a day without finding something to make me laugh, smile, and cry.



My name is Gemini and I have uterine cancer.

Thankfully, and to lay it out on the table, it should be taken care of with surgery and time off to heal. Our mother died of complications of uterine cancer... but hers was much more advanced and not discovered until she was much older. It is because of her history that mine was diagnosed so early.



Why am I here?

I have been directed to take 3 months off work, which would be done without pay. 

Therein lies the rub: After this year, not knowing what was making me ill, and already spending thousands of dollars on missed work, hospital visits and doctors, I simply don't have the resources to take the kind of time I need to focus on my health...  risking my job and insurance. I am not protected by FMLA, COBRA, or unemployment (as I would not be "willing and able" to work during this time). There are no programs for what would be considered short-term disability and my company is so small, we are exempt or excluded from anything that might be afforded others.

What do I need to cover?

I am grateful that I have medical insurance at the moment, but in light of things it is tenuous and I may not get to keep it. And, even if I do, there are still copays, minimums, deductibles, out of pocket fees, prescriptions, diagnostics, and other items that are not covered in full, if at all; there are unforseen costs, emergencies, and, as much as I hate to say it, the "what-ifs" once we start the process of making sure I am cancer-free. The prognosis is good, but until I am given the all-clear, there are always those damned "what-ifs". Bills I have already incurred, general living, utilities, student loans, meals, etc. also still need to be addressed while I am out of work.

Wait... Rewards?

First, every little bit helps. It is repeated often on sites such as this for a reason: It is true. These rewards are not all that can be done. A dollar, five,  $8.50... it really is true that everything adds up.

These were just ideas I had to make it, I don't know, something we do together. Another way for me to show thanks and engage.

For now, I am approaching this a bit like a startup inventor: offering rewards for certain things, trying to give something for your help, and not simply asking for help without sharing it in some way. This will evolve as I find ways to show my gratitude to you and my community. It would be simultaneously the least and best I could do with my healing time: creating, sharing, giving. 

These were fun things and ideas I came up with based on things I try to do and give to my friends and family. We would plan together (where applicable) and celebrate health and the wealth of love and kinship.

IN PROGRESS: A blog, a sharing site, a place to document your help, things I learn, and more. No matter the amount shared, and with your express permission only, I will happily share a bit about you here, including how we know one another (or learn about one another!).

Consider it an investment? 

I also promise to use this time to research other ways to help, find other programs (not just cancer-related) that need more assistance here in Southern Nevada, and hopefully find a way to be more involved personally and professionaly with others who need even more assistance than I do at the moment.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for just being you. I am grateful for any help you feel like sharing, and if you cannot, please know I am grateful for your time.