Alison's Medical Fund

Alison Rivers, a resident of McIntosh, AL, has to stay in Houston, TX for 2 months following her cancer surgery on October 26, 2015. Alison had to pay $1,700 out of pocket for medical expenses (after insurance paid) and she needs to pay for lodging while she is in TX. The cheapest lodging she could find is $2,500 per month. In total she needs about $5,000 to cover her expenses. Fortunately, her family and friends had various fundraisers throughout the year to help fund her trip. She just needs $1,000 more. Anything you can spare will be greatly appreciated. Below is her story:

Alison's appendix burst in February 2015. During the appendectomy, her surgeon discovered a mucinous tumor had surrounded her appendix causing it to burst and then the tumor did as well. This spread mucin throughout her peritoneum (abdomen). The pathology report defined the tumor as a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm with uncertain malignant potential. After being referred to two oncologists in Mobile that have not dealt with appendix cancer, Alison chose to go to MD Anderson in Houston where they have dealt with cases like hers. After a CT scan came back clear in April, she was told to come back in October to check again. After having a lot of pain in August, she was told to head to Houston where a CT scan showed a golf ball-sized tumor near her pelvis. After exploratory laparoscopic surgery, Alison was diagnosed with Stage 3 Appendix Cancer and specifically Pseudomyxoma Peritonei or PMP. She is scheduled for cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC (heated chemo administered directly in the abdomen) on October 26th. Without surgery she would have 2 years to live. With surgery, her surgeon is hoping for 10 or more years. The surgery itself is called the Mother of all Surgeries and lasts 8-12 hours. She will have a feeding tube and an incision from sternum to pelvis with staples. God is in control and has and will continue to be her comfort and peace through her recovery to become cancer free.