In the past week, through the help of friends and family, we have raised over $9,000 to help my best friends family in their time of despair and need.  

Lisa, just 55 years old, and the youngest of 4 girls, was just diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer that has metastasized to her liver with other complications.  During a recent biopsy the procedure caused a hematoma which is now preventing the start of any chemo that may help her.  She is being cared for by her sisters full time with transportation, making critical medical decisions and deciding where to go for the best treatment.  They are currently in the process of moving her from Northern California to Southern California to seek out a more specialized approach to her extreme situation.  The family is in need of financial support to allow them the opportunity to devote all of their time and energy to saving their beloved sister.   

I am a dear friend of the family, having grown up with them in Framingham, MA.  I have been a part of their lives for the past 50 plus years and can't imagine what they must be going through at this time.  With a family of my own to take care of, I have dedicated myself to starting and updating this GoFundMe campaign as a way to help them in their time of need.  

With so many compelling stories out there, I can only hope that ours resonates with you to give what you can to provide the means to help them focus on the many aspects of treating this aggressive cancer.   While still in the beginning stages of treatment, it is critical that we get Lisa to a place where she can be assisted comfortably by her family and friends.  The relocation process alone is a daunting task.  In addition, finding the right medical facility and getting set up for the start of treatment and the many complications that have and will occur requires a financial commitment that can only be made possible through this site and the generous donations that have and will be made by people like  you.

The money will be used to bring the family together and assist in the astronomical medical bills not covered by insurance.  Money is needed for them to stay nearby, take a leave of absence from their jobs and keep Lisa comfortable as she goes through this difficult care.   It is essential to move very quickly with this type of cancer and it is our hope we can get Lisa set up right away so she can undergo the needed steps to start the treatment.

Lisa has devoted the past 15 years to helping people overcome addiction and recovery and other life challenges.  Now it is time for people to help and support her through this very difficult time.  Please consider helping her in this desperate time of need.  Any leftover money will be donated to a foundation for research and early detection for this very aggressive cancer.

Andrea, her sister, who has been by her side since the diagnosis will determine how and where the money will be spent.