Cherie is fighting metastatic malignant melanoma (multiple tumors) that were exacerbated by mold in the home.

She had mold remediators come on August 23rd and demo the home to remove the deadly mold. Cherie faces both crises simultaneously.

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For all of those that know and love my mother, Cherie Koch, as you may know, she's fighting an aggressive form of melanoma and needs her community to rally around her and support her at this time. If you can contribute anything to her care or spread the link for this fund I made for her, our family would be so grateful. ✨

Cherie’s discovery of the cancer:

Earlier this year, Cherie had several tumors on her lower right leg simultaneously. She experienced severe itching all over the leg, along with intense neurological pain. When the pain hit, it was like lightning bolts firing down the extremity.

In June 2022, one of the tumors began bleeding as though a faucet was turned on, and she went to the Emergency Room. The bleeding tumor was biopsied, and she was diagnosed with metastasized malignant melanoma. Scans revealed nodes in her chest as well.

The largest mass on her leg is now the size of a softball and is like an open crater. Cherie’s hemoglobin count went as low as 7.1, requiring a blood transfusion last week. Even after the transfusion, her hemoglobin count remains at 7.3 (the lower level of a healthy range is 11.0). She underwent a course of I.V. antibiotics because of infection. She requires wound dressing changes twice daily to keep the wounds clean.

Cherie is commencing I.V. Immunotherapy through her oncologist to boost her immune system and attempt to shrink the tumors. She remains in a Skilled Nursing Facility for now, but her Medicare-covered days will run out in another month or so, and she will be discharged to home without adequate care to meet her needs. She requires a caregiver to come in and assist her with personal care, bathing, laundry, light housekeeping, etc.

Cherie's home after remediation recently.

On top of this, Cherie lost all her property because of mold:

Cherie had a terrible mold issue in her home, which recently required mold remediation in the kitchen and bathrooms before she could safely return home. In late August, Bio Clean-Up removed everything from her home and threw out all of her clothing, linens, towels, etc. Most of her property has been thrown in the trash, including cabinets, appliances, and furniture. The company pulled up all the carpet and flooring and sterilized all surfaces.

When Cherie is discharged home, her hospital bed will be in the living room on the concrete subfloor, and the home's interior will be completely demolished with open studs exposed after mold remediation. She truly lives under primitive conditions without a working kitchen, shower, etc. This adds to Cherie’s burdens at this devastating time of cancer treatment.

Cherie's home after remediation recently.

The beneficiary of this fundraiser is Cherie Koch:

Cherie is a proud person who does not relish asking for help. Stephanie Koch organizes this fundraiser for the benefit of her mother, Cherie Koch. Funds received will be used to pay Cherie’s uninsured medical expenses, caregiver expenses, food, and any other basic bills, etc. (e.g., utility bills) that she might have while she is disabled and undergoing treatment. She will also need some basic things in the home, including new linens, towels, clothing, and other household items. The goal is to raise $21,000 to help her through this critical time so that she has a chance to recover.

Please help my mother, Cherie, in her time of need and share this GoFundMe link far and wide with people you know, especially anyone who knows Cherie!

Most of all, please pray for her health and blessing to recover all she has lost this year. Prayers that speak to restoring her healthy and active life are appreciated!

Blessings to you for your assistance and prayers! Any amount of contribution is welcome and greatly appreciated!