Help Lenka Kick Cancer to the Curb!!!

My name is Tiffanie, a dear friend of Lenka Downs. Lenka’s friends and family are asking for your help. Lenka has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer and she really could use additional financial support while she undergoes treatment.

Let me tell you a bit about Lenka. She grew up in Montana with her twin sister and an older sister, living off the grid with her parents north of McGregor Lake. Lenka is a lover of animals, raised alongside horses, chickens, goats and assorted critters. She finished school in the Oregon and works in the restaurant industry where many of us have come to know her.

Lenka lives with and for her pups - Sweet Pea and Sunshine (aka BunBun) - who are the center of her life. She loves nothing more than spending time with them while tending a small vegetable garden or camping at the state parks around Oregon.

Lenka never hesitates to reach out to help those less fortunate than her whether a person or a animal in need. She has made space in her home for friends in need. She is the person who will stick by you, even when others have moved on. You can count on her. She is one tough lady.

The challenge Lenka faces is NOT her determination to beat cancer. Her challenge is NOT digging deep to find the energy to continue working as much as she can while undergoing treatment.

Lenka’s challenge is the initial flood of UNCOVERED medical costs. Lenka has managed, on a waitress income, to pay for a health insurance policy; but not surprisingly, could only afford one with a $10,000 deductible and a high co-pay.

At this moment - the beginning of a long road of chemo, multiple surgeries and rehab - she already incurred about $15,000 in uncovered medical bills.

On top of this, Portland’s rising rental costs have pushed her far out of the Portland area and she is faced with more than hour commute to treatment.

To put a dent in these escalating medical bills, Lenka has been as proactive as possible. Lenka found a roommate to reduce her rent costs. She insists on working through chemo, returning to work right after chemo sessions. She works double shifts as often as possible. She is doing this even when she feels weak and nauseous from chemo.

Lenka applied for Oregon’s Paid Leave Program. It is a slow process, but it will will help her with up to 12 weeks of missed work - most of which will be used for her future surgeries when she simply cannot work.

Lenka, just 49 years old, is one of the hardest working and most dedicated humans I know. If you know her then you understand what I mean. If you are one of her long time restaurant regulars or one of her friends, or just someone who is moved by her story, can you help? Anything you can contribute will help take the bite Lenka’s initial and overwhelming flood of expenses so she can focus on beating cancer.

Thank you for your help! Updates will be posted here as Lenka’s treatment evolves.

Tiffanie Harvey