Hanna Rutherford's 'Kick Cancer's Butt' Fund

Hi Everyone,

My name is Carly Steninger and I am Hanna Rutherford's very soon-to-be sister-in-law! I am fundraising on her behalf as we have just received a diagnosis that no 27-year-old should ever have to hear, let alone while she is busy planning her wedding. Hanna has been diagnosed with Stage 1, Grade 2 ovarian cancer.

For several days Hanna had been feeling"off" and thought she might have a UTI. On Monday, January 23, she decided to go to urgent care to be evaluated as she knew something just wasn't right. Turns out it was not a UTI, but instead, a tumor the size of a large melon on her left ovary. By Wednesday the 25th, she had already seen her OB/GYN as well as a gynecologist who specializes in oncology. She was scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, February 1st where doctors removed the large mass (16x15x6cm), left ovary, and fallopian tube which was sent to pathology both locally and in Stanford. As everyone anxiously waited for those results, Hanna began the healing process and remained positive. On Wednesday, February 22 Hanna received a phone call from her surgeon with the pathology results from Stanford and a diagnosis of the dreaded C word. CANCER...at 27 years old.

Hanna has a long road ahead of her full of a lot of unknowns. Currently, what we do know, is that she is faced with a few different options, all of which are very difficult to make and that come with a hefty price tag. In preparation, Hanna and Cole have decided to move forward with egg retrieval to protect their desire to start a family once this chapter is behind them. After that, there is the possibility that she will have another surgery to remove lymph nodes along with chemotherapy treatment pending biopsy results or there is also the possibility of chemotherapy immediately after egg retrieval; either way, expenses are a concern.

Our hope and prayer is that if Hanna does proceed with a second surgery then that outcome will provide the best news possible: that her first surgery was her cure and she doesn't require further treatment; however, chemotherapy (with or without an additional surgery or immediately upon egg retrieval) has been discussed and remains a strong possibility. With everything they face currently, the last thing that Hanna and Cole need to be worrying about is how they are going to be able to pay for it all and it is with that in mind I set up this Go-Fund-Me: to try and help alleviate some of the financial burdens of this very unfortunate situation.

We all want to thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your contributions, love and support. Hanna is an amazing young lady who is so fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family who love her dearly. She is an ambitious fun-loving fighter with an incredible attitude, whom I have no doubt will run, not walk, (we all know Hanna ;)) through this chapter in her life with absolute grace. It is our job to walk alongside her, support and love her in any way we can.

Lastly, Hanna, Cole, her family and my family believe in the power of prayer. Whether you can contribute financially at this time or not, we would love it, if you are comfortable, to send up a prayer on her behalf. Again, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support. We sincerely thank you.

With love on Hanna's behalf,

Carly Steninger