Help Elizabeth (Libby) & Her Family Through Cancer Treatment

We make decisions everyday about how to spend our hard earned dollars. When it comes to donating, there are so many worthy causes out there, most recently aid for victims of hurricanes.

In light devastating events like this, it’s hard to ask for help. Our hope is that Elizabeth’s story resonates with you on a personal level because you know Elizabeth or someone close to her. Please consider a donation in any amount. It all adds up and is so much appreciated. If giving is not within your means at this time, please send healing vibes and thank you for your time and consideration.

Elizabeth's story...

Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2024 at the age of 48. There is no history of it in our family and it was caught on her first mammogram. Her cancer type is Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, stage 3 (HER2+, ER-, PR-) with a 4cm primary tumor and smaller satellite tumors around it, as well as 8-10 lymph nodes involved in her axillary, internal mammary and clavicular regions.

After diagnosis, Elizabeth underwent genetic testing, which identified a pathogenic abnormality in the CHEK2 gene. Women who carry this pathogenic variant have an increased risk of developing breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

The treatment plan for Elizabeth started in February with 5 months of chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy in July. After 8 weeks of recovery from surgery, she is now in daily radiation therapy for 5 weeks. Reconstructive surgery will be completed mid-2025 and targeted therapy injections and infusions will continue for the next 3 years.

For those of you who have not been in touch with Elizabeth in a long time, a quick update: she has a husband (Bryan) and two lovely daughters (Mila 13 years old and Leilani 5 years old), and they live in Vermont.

Elizabeth's family has navigated the past months with amazing support from friends, family and caregivers. Those who are near have kept them well fed. Those who are far have given gift cards. All have given so many words of encouragement and emotional support. She has received fresh flowers that make her smile, legos to feed her soul, remedies to help her body cope with chemo side effects, and even a care package with chocolates and tea from colleagues in Finland. All of which they are so grateful for.

Ideally, Elizabeth would have taken leave from work during chemo to focus on her health and healing. However, facing the realities of financial commitments for a household of 4, insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, Elizabeth continued to work through her chemo treatment despite the discomforts of side effects and unyielding fatigue until her brain couldn't keep up, and she was forced to take time off. Disability pay, unfortunately, is only partial pay and becomes less the longer one stays on it. This also comes on the heels of Bryan's unexpected triple bypass heart surgery and Leilani's broken leg. Elizabeth's mounting health expenses are looming and adding to an already challenging situation for her family. We are hoping to ease this journey for her by providing some assistance for her cancer and health related costs that they must endure.

Lost Wages based on estimated return to work December 1, 2024

Lost Wages (Short Term Disability) $8,400

Lost Wages (Long Term Disability) $12,400

Medical Insurance Deductible and Out of pocket max have been met for this year and will be met for next year. - $12,200