Help for Michele Guardino-Handlin

On February 19th, Michele's life took an unexpected turn. She began experiencing confusion and trouble understanding language and text. Fearing the worst, her husband George took her to the hospital. She underwent numerous tests, including CT scans and MRIs. The results showed a growth in Michele's brain, and she was quickly transferred to a neuro ICU. There were more CT scans, MRI scans, EEGs and EKGs and a lumbar puncture was taken in the hopes that it was an infection. After a biopsy was taken, it was determined that the growth was a cancerous tumor; glioblastoma – the most aggressive kind of brain tumor.

Michele is a strong, kind, loving person who is incredibly generous. She is adored by her family and friends. She is passionate about singing in church and has been doing her best to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of medical appointments and uncertainty. Despite the challenges, she has remained positive, with her usual sense of humor intact.

But the road ahead is long and arduous. Michele has already undergone a biopsy and is now preparing to start a rigorous treatment plan that includes chemotherapy and radiation. The chemotherapy pills will be taken for six weeks, followed by 28-day cycles of 5 days on the medication and 23 days off. Meanwhile, radiation treatments will take place on weekdays for six weeks.

The financial burden of Michele's medical bills is immense, and her family needs your help to make it through this trying time. George has been a rock for Michele, providing unwavering support and doing everything he can to ensure she receives the best care possible. With Michele filing for disability, they face a five-month waiting period before payments begin. Even then, her treatment costs will exceed what they can manage, due in part that George has been unable to work as many billable hours because of the needs of Michele, not only because of transportation to doctors and other appointments, but other help as well.

We are calling on you, their family, friends, and kind-hearted strangers to help George and Michele in their time of need. Your contributions will go directly towards covering the mounting medical expenses and ensuring that Michele can focus on her battle without the added financial strain.

Please donate whatever you can and share this GoFundMe campaign with others. No amount is too small, and every bit will help make a difference in Michele's life. Your generosity will provide financial assistance, lift Michele’s spirits, and remind her that she is not alone in this fight.

In addition to your donations, we ask that you keep Michele in your thoughts and prayers. Reach out to her with your love and support, and please consider visiting her during her treatment journey. Together, we can help Michele win this battle and become stronger on the other side.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Let's rally together for Michele and help her fight this medical battle!