Help Amanda Beat Cancer's Ass!
Donation protected
Before I ever imagined having my own child, I was blessed by becoming a Godmother to the most amazing little girl! When Amanda Shakira Cole was born, her mother and I were still trying to figure out how to be adults ourselves. She taught us so much… How to love unconditionally, be fearless and always stay positive no matter what struggles or curveballs life presented.
At just 3 months old, Amanda was diagnosed with severe eczema and a laundry list of allergies that could easily label her as a girl that needed to live in a bubble. Growing up with a visible skin disorder, would make it hard for anyone. But Amanda has always walked with her head high and finds the best in everything, not letting anything bring her down.
On February 20th, Amanda turned 22 years old. She is currently working on getting her Bachelor’s Degree at Florida International University. We had planned for her to fly out to Los Angeles and spend her Spring Break with me. I was so excited! Before her trip, she had to have a procedure to remove a mass on her left arm, as it had grown and was starting to cause pain & discomfort. One week prior to her departure date, she received a phone call that would change everything. The mass that was removed came back positive for Melanoma. It has been the longest 4 weeks since that phone call. We obviously had to cancel her trip and she has spent almost everyday at a Dr’s office or hospital. She has had multiple biopsys, a Petscan, Ultrasounds and an MRI. What we know now, is that the cancer has spread to her lymph node in her left arm. We are still waiting for confirmation that it has not gone to her neck or brain. Which we are praying and staying absolutely positive that it has not spread any further, damn it!!!!!
Amanda lives with her single Mother & little Sister “Guppy”. She works part time at a retail store to help earn income for their household of 3. Through all of this, she refuses to stop going to school and making up missed exams in between the Dr visits. With everyday that passes, every copay or out of pocket expense not covered by insurance and Amanda & her mother having to miss work, it’s only going to get harder for them. But we can help ease that burden!
I am asking everyone to join in helping make this difficult time a little smoother. No gift is too small, every penny counts!
SHE IS OUR FUTURE & MY SHINING STAR!!!
At just 3 months old, Amanda was diagnosed with severe eczema and a laundry list of allergies that could easily label her as a girl that needed to live in a bubble. Growing up with a visible skin disorder, would make it hard for anyone. But Amanda has always walked with her head high and finds the best in everything, not letting anything bring her down.
On February 20th, Amanda turned 22 years old. She is currently working on getting her Bachelor’s Degree at Florida International University. We had planned for her to fly out to Los Angeles and spend her Spring Break with me. I was so excited! Before her trip, she had to have a procedure to remove a mass on her left arm, as it had grown and was starting to cause pain & discomfort. One week prior to her departure date, she received a phone call that would change everything. The mass that was removed came back positive for Melanoma. It has been the longest 4 weeks since that phone call. We obviously had to cancel her trip and she has spent almost everyday at a Dr’s office or hospital. She has had multiple biopsys, a Petscan, Ultrasounds and an MRI. What we know now, is that the cancer has spread to her lymph node in her left arm. We are still waiting for confirmation that it has not gone to her neck or brain. Which we are praying and staying absolutely positive that it has not spread any further, damn it!!!!!
Amanda lives with her single Mother & little Sister “Guppy”. She works part time at a retail store to help earn income for their household of 3. Through all of this, she refuses to stop going to school and making up missed exams in between the Dr visits. With everyday that passes, every copay or out of pocket expense not covered by insurance and Amanda & her mother having to miss work, it’s only going to get harder for them. But we can help ease that burden!
I am asking everyone to join in helping make this difficult time a little smoother. No gift is too small, every penny counts!
SHE IS OUR FUTURE & MY SHINING STAR!!!
Organiser and beneficiary
Cat Restrepo Ivanovich
Organiser
Burbank, CA
Amanda Shakira Cole
Beneficiary