Please help my sister, as she battles cancer.

Hi, my name is Heather, and I am fundraising on behalf of my little sister, Christina, and her family. February of 2021 brought with it the exciting, yet VERY unexpected news, of a TWIN pregnancy! Just a few months later she turned 30, and, was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer, in June.

At five months pregnant, and with a toddler at home, Christina had to travel to Buffalo, where she underwent a partial Thyroidectomy, at Roswell Cancer Center. Since then she has had to travel back-and-forth to Buffalo, and now Cleveland Clinic, regularly, for treatment. Because of her condition, on top of a twin pregnancy, Christina had to be seen by a fetal health specialist, who traveled from Cleveland to provide care.

My star of a sister, somehow managed to work, as a nurse, over seven months into her pregnancy. She also never once stopped being a super mama to her 1-year old daughter, Camila.

Unfortunately, my brother-in-law, Nick, has had to miss quite a bit of work, since February, between doctors appointments, treatments, childcare, and the birth of my beautiful and healthy nieces, Nora Maria and Faye Nova, on October 11!

I wish I could say that his paternity leave has been a time of rest and respite for this family, who has gone through so much already, with a long road ahead of them. Unfortunately, Nick’s employer, of almost twelve years, offers only three weeks of paid time off per year. Needless to say, this PTO was depleted months ago, and he is receiving no compensation for this week off. He will not be paid for any future time off, in 2021, including my sisters surgery, and the isolation that will be required, after radiation.

On October 20, Christina was diagnosed with Postpartum Preeclampsia, a rare complication, and is currently hospitalized at St. Vincent, in Erie. Sadly, after a week+ of no pay, and anxiety over potential insurance loss, due to the recent decrease in hours, Nick had no choice but to go back to work. Thankfully, my nieces have wonderful family, who have been helping to care for them, while this is going on.

Over the next few months, my sister will have to go back to Cleveland to have the remainder of her thyroid removed, and eventually radiation therapy, which will

require her to spend several days in complete isolation. Thankfully, the prognosis is a good one, however, the road to that good place going to be a rough one, and my baby sister, and her family could really use some help.

Although she does have Medicaid, it does not cover the specialized out of state treatment, that she receives, in Cleveland. However, Nick’s insurance from work, does. (Hence the reason it is vital he does not lose it). We spent some time looking into FMLA laws, and discovered that his employer is NOT required to provide any privilege or job security to him, as they keep their employees below the 50 member requirement.

I know that this year has brought struggle, and hardship to so many, but if you are in the position to help this young family keep their heads above water, during such a trying time, it would be greatly appreciated.

Christina and Nick will be using any funds that they receive from this campaign, to make ends meet, while living in a new single income reality. Uses would include mortgage, utilities, grocery/baby needs, treatment related travel expenses, and to offset any expenses from the recent closure of their comic shop.

Thank you for reading this. Be well!