Felicia Whipkey's Fight Against Lymphoma

Hello all, my name is Debbie Gabrieli and I am Felicia Whipkey’s cousin and friend. 

I want to welcome you to Felicia Whipkey’s GoFundMe Campaign and thank you all for your consideration in supporting her as she continues her fight against Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
 
As many people realize, Felicia is a wonderful, caring and loving mother, daughter, sister, friend, niece, cousin, co-worker and I can go on and on. Anyone who is lucky enough to know Felicia immediately falls in love with her positive manner.  Her laughter and smile are constant and contagious.  She also happens to be the very first person in our community to step up and help anyone in anyway she can. 
 
Since her re-diagnoses in 2015, Felicia has inspired us throughout her journey with her grace and unending laughter. 
 
This is her battle story to date:  
 
Felicia was diagnosed the first time 28 years ago at the age of 28 and after months of treatment and years of concern she was considered cured for 23 years.  In February of 2015, she discovered a lump under her arm. She met with a wonderful team of specialists from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately, she was diagnosed for a second time with the exact kind of lymphoma that she had prior. After years and numerous treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, CAR-T Immunotherapy, and an Autologous stem cell transplant, she has been in and out of remission for short periods. Due to the length of time in treatment, she lost her position as a paramedic.
 
In 2016, she started a clinical trial medication and suffered serious side effects resulting in more hospital stays.  2017 seemed to be starting out better.  She began working again part time to supplement SSD. In November, she was fortunate enough to be hired full time.  One month later, during her follow up pet scan, the results showed that her cancer was back in more places than ever. She continued dealing with treatment and the side effects while working. By October of 2018, the side effects became so severe that she had to discontinue these medications.  Unfortunately, by December the cancer returned and after multiple unsuccessful attempts at different treatments this past year it has metastasized.  
 
That brings us to the present. Felicia is scheduled to have an Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant.  She is extremely blessed that her brother Anthony is a perfect match and a more than willing donor. Once home and after the transplant is completed, it is expected to take some time before her immune system ramps up and she is able to return to work. 

Her transplant doctor feels confident that Felicia is an excellent candidate for this “high risk, high reward” procedure. Barring any complications, there is an 80 percent cure rate!! 

So friends, that’s where she stands. Felicia has been out of work for quite a few months. Her medical and living expenses are piling up and her resources are shrinking.  She needs our help.
 
Before starting this GoFundMe campaign, I assured her that so many people love her and want to help her in a real, concrete way.  Any consideration that you can give would be very much appreciated.
 
So to all Felicia’s Fearless Fighters, past and present:

I am grateful for your kindness in supporting our much loved, Felicia.  With our continued love, prayers, and resources, let’s wish her a return to health and a long happy, healthy, future!  Thank you in advance for your thoughtful generosity and please share on your social media pages!!!