Help Debra Beat Multiple Myeloma

My name is Ariana, and I'm fundraising for my mom's care and expenses as she fights Multiple Myeloma. In the summer of 2021, my mom, Debra, had a severe pain in her ribs that wouldn't go away. After many appointments, she was finally considering a nerve block to get rid of the pain. When running blood tests prior to that procedure, her results showed that her kidneys were failing-- ultimately leading to a Multiple Myeloma diagnosis.

Cancer.org defines this disease as follows: "Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system. The immune system is made up of several types of cells that work together to fight infections and other diseases. Lymphocytes (lymph cells) are one of the main types of white blood cells in the immune system and include T cells and B cells. Lymphocytes are in many areas of the body, such as lymph nodes, the bone marrow, the intestines, and the bloodstream. In general, when plasma cells become cancerous and grow out of control, this is called multiple myeloma. The plasma cells make an abnormal protein (antibody) known by several different names, including monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein (M-protein), M-spike, or paraprotein."

Essentially, this cancer lives in her bone marrow and blood-- weakening her immune system and kidneys. Because this cancer isn't "traditional" in terms of tumors showing up, its diagnosis is usually delayed until the kidneys begin to fail. As a family, this has been scary and challenging to navigate. My mom is currently receiving care at MD Anderson, where doctors have been communicative, committed, and helpful! However, her healing journey is just beginning.

My mom is currently receiving outpatient chemotherapy via ATC injection. At the conclusion of this first course of treatment, she will undergo an intense round of inpatient chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant. This will require her to stay in the hospital for 6 weeks, followed by daily or weekly visits for months after. Her immune system will be completely depleted in this process. Any donations would be incredibly helpful in managing the costs of healthcare, medications, commutes, parking, stays at the Rotary House Hotel connected to MD Anderson, and support for my dad and the farm.

For any of you who know my mom, you can assume how hard it was to get her consent to start a GoFundMe. My mom is a fierce advocate for the people she loves, but rarely asks for help when it comes to her own needs. She has fought tooth and nail for me my entire life. She is my very best friend-- and the strongest, most genuine person I have ever met. This is my chance to show up for her in the way that she always has for me. Please join me in supporting her, so that she can focus solely on getting better!

With all my love and appreciation,

Ariana