H Strong: Support Holland's fight against cancer

Dear Family and Friends, 

It is with the heaviest of heart that we come to you with the devastating news that our dear sweet girl, Holland Shaffer has been diagnosed with a form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, specifically Diffused Large B Cell Lymphoma which is an auto immune disease based cancer. 

On December 30th, (coincidentally, the 20th anniversary of her twin brother Bryson passing away) they found a large tumor roughly the size of a softball attached to her right hip. Following an MRI and CT Scan it was initially diagnosed as a rare form of bone cancer, and she was transferred from her home in Anchorage to the cancer center in Seattle for further testing, official diagnosis and treatment. Further testing through biopsies have since changed that diagnosis to the Lymphoma cancer described above. The tumor is a very rapid growing type that started in the bone and has since grown significantly over the last 2 weeks. They have sent out for additional pathology to test for other types of cancers associated with her symptoms. 

Holland was born 4 months premature weighing just 1 pound 3 ounces and given less than a 20% chance of survival. Since that time she has continued to battle with her body to beat the odds. She has been an insulin dependent type 1 diabetic since she was 2 years old and this time last year, she spent 10 days in the ICU when she went into liver failure, nearly needing a transplant and subsequently diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis. A disease she will need treatment for the rest of her life. These 2 previous autoimmune diseases she has will only complicate her cancer treatment regimen. Add on that she has high functioning autism, and you can only imagine how overwhelming everything is for this poor girl. Even the simplest of procedures over stimulate her brain and cause mini panic attacks for her as she feels like everyone that comes near her is going to poke or prod her. Anyone that has ever spent time with her will tell you that she has the kindest sweetest soul on the planet.  

Her initial treatment plan prognosis is that she will need chemotherapy from 6-12 months. She has a brutally long road to recovery ahead of her. This will require lots of travel and logistics to and from treatment from her home in Anchorage to Seattle. Although the family does has insurance, there are so many unforeseen costs that are not covered and will add up quickly. We are reaching out to the H-Bombs fan club to assist if you can with this overwhelming diagnosis and unforeseen financial burden. Every little bit will help if you can and is appreciated more than you know.  

All funds raised will go directly to Holland's medical costs and related travel expenses for the family to be there in Seattle with her. On behalf of the Shaffer family, we appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers, and support shown over the past few weeks and undoubtedly, in the months to come. 

Thank you, The Shaffer Family