My name is Katie Bailey (Guerin) and I have known Lee all my life and she is my dear friend and a beloved friend to many others. A number of Lee's friends wanted to start this Go Fund Me because she needs our help! Lee was recently diagnosed with metastatic melanoma that has created tumors in her lymph nodes and other areas of her body. She received this diagnosis after several months of very painful and debilitating symptoms that were exacerbated by inadequate medical care in Chico, CA. As a result of this aggressive Stage 4 cancer, Lee has been unable to work and is on unpaid leave from her position at the VA. This cancer has left her very weak and has compromised her immune system as she was also diagnosed with COVID the day she received her cancer diagnosis. Also Lee has been extremely anemic and required a blood transfusion and caregiving from her mother and several of her compassionate VA coworkers.

After her discouraging and exasperating medical care in Chico, Lee was able to connect with a melanoma specialist at Vanderbilt Medical Center who has prescribed life-saving medication to shrink the tumors and halt the spread of the cancer. Unfortunately, this medication is not covered by her insurance and she is having to work with her physician and pharmacists to affordably access this essential treatment. She still faces expensive impending medical bills, including future COBRA insurance premiums, copays, prescription costs, etc. The next step is an MRI of her brain to determine if the cancer has spread and if it has, exactly how to manage it. This is an extremely scary time in Lee's life and she realizes what amazing family and friends she has, and that she is fortunate to receive such strong love and support from all of you.