Elena's Battle

The first few years of marriage and starting a family should be nothing but love, laughter, and joy, and for Elena Filina this was her life with husband, Dennis, and son, Max . However, her fairy tale took a turn for the worst March 12, 2014 when she was diagnosed with Stage Three Hodgkin 's Lymphoma.  For the past six months, Elena has fought this disease, fought for herself, fought for her husband, and fought especially hard for Max.  During the six months of intense chemo and hospital stays, Elena has continued to work so she would not lose her insurance, sometimes only taking a day off for treatment only to return to work the next day physically and emotionally drained.  

Needless to say, Elena is a fighter. Unfortunately, the first round of chemo, the months of agony, did not yield the results doctors were looking for, nor did the second round she finished in October.  With two failed attempts of chemo, doctors are looking to a new medication followed by a stem cell transplant as a cure.  In order for the transplant to occur, Elena started the new treatment November 17, 2014, to be followed by at least a months stay in the hospital for the transplant.  During this time, Elena will obviously not be able to work, but more devastating, will not be able to see young Max as her immune system will be too weak.    While she has fought to keep her job and insurance, hospital bills continue to pile up adding stress to her and her family.  With months of treatments and struggles ahead of her, the weight of these bills should be the last thing on Elena's mind.  

Elena is a fighter, but even the strongest need support. Elena did not ask for this support, just as she did not ask for this diagnosis; we are just trying to help her and her family carry this burden, just as they have helped others.  
Thank you in advanced for your love, prayers, and support.