Help Laura through breast cancer treatment

My Auntie Laura was recently diagnosed with triple-negative inductive carcinoma. Triple-negative breast cancer grows and spreads fast, has limited treatment options, and a worse prognosis than other types of breast cancer. She's already started chemo, and will need immunotherapy and radiation as well. We're not sure what other treatments or surgeries she might also need. If you've known anyone who has gone through this, you know it's incredibly difficult and debilitating. She will be sick, depleted, and exhausted in so many ways.

 

My Auntie has a 14 year old son, Joseph, who is the joy of her life. He is the kindest young man, and loves to entertain his ten cousins. He's entering high school, and Auntie Laura wants to keep his life as normal as possible, which means not moving to a new school district. She needs help with rent, so she doesn't have to move to a less desirable district, which they will have to do without financial support while she is unable to work, and winning her battle with this cancer.

 

Auntie Laura is supported by her brother, my wonderful dad, Fr. Joseph Wargacki, who is serving a parish in Alaska, my mom Lori, who is the smartest, most generous and kindest human being , her brothers Tim and Robert, me and my sisters Megan, Marya, Emmelia, my brothers Matt and Adam, and our spouses and partners (Joel, Liz, Sean, Keith, Katherine, and Aaron). Auntie also has many many friends and coworkers who love her.

 

Auntie's mom is my Babcie, who is 89. She lost her husband (my Gagi) at 97, to squamous cell carcinoma in 2014, and her daughter, my Auntie Anne Marie who was murdered in 2010. It is clear that we are supposed to live a long time in our family, to do a lot of good and touch a lot of lives. My Aunt Laura has already done that, but she's not finished.

 

Auntie Laura works at Capital Medical Center in Olympia, WA in the laboratory, and it is not viable or safe for her to continue working through chemo, immunotherapy and radiation in the pandemic. Imagine having no income, and medical bills piling up. She will need gas money to get to her many treatments and doctor's appointments, as well as money for food, rent, and hopefully a house cleaning service. Also, Joseph will need things for school, clothes (he's growing so fast!) and hopefully some fun. It would break my heart if Auntie couldn't afford to buy tickets to a school dance or get him a birthday present.

 

Auntie Laura also takes my Babcie to her doctor's appointments and helps her with what she needs. She is a true caregiver in both her occupation and in her every day life. Now, it's time for her community to come together to take care of her. Also, as a personal and vulnerable plea, we cannot let my Babcie lose another daughter in a tragic way.

 

Speaking of community, we are all connected. You might know my sister, who recently battled lymphoma and won, with a lot of generosity from you, my friends and family. She is now a healthy, happy mom getting her BA degree (with high praise from her professors). We thank you for helping her get through that. You might know my parents, who do so much to help their community. You might know me or my siblings, who are good citizens and try their best to also help others. You might know my Gagi and Babcie, who served in the armed forces in WWII. We're primed for this fight, but we cannot do it alone.

 

Can you please donate whatever you can afford, to help my Auntie's cancer journey be as smooth as possible? Stress is a major hindrance when someone is fighting for their life. Financial aid will alleviate a lot of stress and help Auntie Laura's recovery. We are optimistic she will beat this, but we need the path to be smooth and clear. Any amount you can afford will go so far, if everyone chips in so she and her son can stay where they are, and so she can pay her bills.

 

I know these are trying times, but if you have any funds to spare, please consider contributing to my Auntie Laura's road to recovery. We love her so much, and cannot bear to lose her or allow her to have any unneeded strain during this totally awful time.

 

We appreciate your support and welcome you to Team Laura.