Help Cover Brynn's Medical Costs
Donation protected
2020 has been one dumpster fire of a year for most. Yet, there is one person whom I hold dear who the year has pummeled quite brutally. My best friend, Brynn, knew this year would suck when Corona hit and the wedding of her dreams to the man of her dreams got cancelled. It was something she never thought she'd get to experience and she had been so excited. Like many "COVID brides," it was difficult. Her wedding date, August 1st, came and went and we mourned it's passing. Unbeknownst to us, it was just the first of many hits that would come in quick succession.
As the summer neared an end, and Brynn prepared for a surgical procedure, her best friend and soulmate, her dog, Alabama's, health began to deteriorate. Brynn rescued Alabama at 8 weeks of age 14 years ago and Alabama had been the sole source of unwavering, consistent support for all things life had thrown at her since that day. At this point, a timeline is probably most practical to outline what happened next:
August 25th - Brynn went in for a pre-surgical mammogram and ultrasound as part of an overall health check prior to undergoing the surgery mentioned above. During this appointment, the doctor found FIVE suspicious masses he wanted to biopsy.
August 27th - a biopsy was performed on all five masses.
September 6th - Alabama crossed the rainbow bridge.
September 9th - Brynn was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her LEFT breast.
September 14th - Brynn met with the dr and had 5-6 more biopsies and underwent genetic testing.
Mid-late September - genetic screening indicated Brynn has the chek2 mutation which puts her at an elevated risk for recurrence of breast cancer as well as a 2nd type of breast cancer AND colon cancer. As a result, Brynn (along with her fiance and her doctors) decided that a bilateral (double) mastectomy had the greatest survival rate and surgery was scheduled.
October 16th - Brynn had a double mastectomy and doctors removed the lymph nodes under her left arm due to concern that the cancer had spread. Due to COVID, she was sent home immediately following surgery and without pain medication due to her celebrating 17 years of sobriety this past August.
Days later - pathology showed that she had an entirely different cancer in her RIGHT breast that had gone undetected in all previous procedures. It was an invasive breast cancer, early stages 1-2. As a result, adjuvant treatment is needed.
Today - Brynn is seeking a second opinion from an oncologist regarding her treatment plan moving forward. She has nerve damage in her left arm that prohibits her from moving it without extreme pain and, as mentioned before, pain management is difficult to navigate given her history.
Due to COVID, every single one of these appointments, surgeries, and procedures has been done alone, without the support of her fiance until she's been discharged or left her appointments. The mastectomy cost over $200,000 and, while insurance covered much of it, she and her fiance are still responsible for paying an exorbitant amount for this one surgery alone. In addition to those costs, they are also trying to manage paying for all of the MRI's, biopsies, ultrasounds, tests, co-pays, physical therapy, etc.
Knowing that she's endured all of these blows and is still standing is a testament to her strength and resilience. The idea that ANYONE who experiences something like this is then trapped in financial purgatory due to a ridiculously designed medical care system is BEYOND reprehensible.
I am aware of the current climate and that it's the holidays. Any amount that you could contribute would be most appreciated. There is no gesture too small. I love and appreciate you all.
All my love,
~Andrea
As the summer neared an end, and Brynn prepared for a surgical procedure, her best friend and soulmate, her dog, Alabama's, health began to deteriorate. Brynn rescued Alabama at 8 weeks of age 14 years ago and Alabama had been the sole source of unwavering, consistent support for all things life had thrown at her since that day. At this point, a timeline is probably most practical to outline what happened next:
August 25th - Brynn went in for a pre-surgical mammogram and ultrasound as part of an overall health check prior to undergoing the surgery mentioned above. During this appointment, the doctor found FIVE suspicious masses he wanted to biopsy.
August 27th - a biopsy was performed on all five masses.
September 6th - Alabama crossed the rainbow bridge.
September 9th - Brynn was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her LEFT breast.
September 14th - Brynn met with the dr and had 5-6 more biopsies and underwent genetic testing.
Mid-late September - genetic screening indicated Brynn has the chek2 mutation which puts her at an elevated risk for recurrence of breast cancer as well as a 2nd type of breast cancer AND colon cancer. As a result, Brynn (along with her fiance and her doctors) decided that a bilateral (double) mastectomy had the greatest survival rate and surgery was scheduled.
October 16th - Brynn had a double mastectomy and doctors removed the lymph nodes under her left arm due to concern that the cancer had spread. Due to COVID, she was sent home immediately following surgery and without pain medication due to her celebrating 17 years of sobriety this past August.
Days later - pathology showed that she had an entirely different cancer in her RIGHT breast that had gone undetected in all previous procedures. It was an invasive breast cancer, early stages 1-2. As a result, adjuvant treatment is needed.
Today - Brynn is seeking a second opinion from an oncologist regarding her treatment plan moving forward. She has nerve damage in her left arm that prohibits her from moving it without extreme pain and, as mentioned before, pain management is difficult to navigate given her history.
Due to COVID, every single one of these appointments, surgeries, and procedures has been done alone, without the support of her fiance until she's been discharged or left her appointments. The mastectomy cost over $200,000 and, while insurance covered much of it, she and her fiance are still responsible for paying an exorbitant amount for this one surgery alone. In addition to those costs, they are also trying to manage paying for all of the MRI's, biopsies, ultrasounds, tests, co-pays, physical therapy, etc.
Knowing that she's endured all of these blows and is still standing is a testament to her strength and resilience. The idea that ANYONE who experiences something like this is then trapped in financial purgatory due to a ridiculously designed medical care system is BEYOND reprehensible.
I am aware of the current climate and that it's the holidays. Any amount that you could contribute would be most appreciated. There is no gesture too small. I love and appreciate you all.
All my love,
~Andrea
Organizer and beneficiary
Andrea Schwach
Organizer
Stamford, CT
Brynn Cox
Beneficiary