They often say that you never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.  Unfortunately, my friend Lisa has had more than her fair share of opportunities to test her strength, and she is now fighting yet another battle.  In late 2018, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Unbelievably, this is Lisa’s FIFTH cancer fight.  I don’t know about you, but this is unfathomable to me!

Lisa had a mastectomy in early January 2019 and began chemotherapy shortly after.  She is currently working her way through 6 rounds of chemotherapy, which will be followed by 25 radiation treatments!!  The effects of chemo have already taken a significant toll, including cracked and peeling skin, weak muscles, watery eyes, impaired sense of taste, and lymphedema (permanent swelling), and the end is still a way off. 


Still, despite fighting cancer off and on since age 16 - including right now - Lisa makes a life of helping others.  She worked for decades as a chemical dependency counselor, shepherding countless lives through the depths of addiction and/or mental illness.  Sadly, due to the long-term effects of numerous cancer treatments, Lisa has multiple health issues that prevent her from being able to work a full-time job in her career anymore.  However, Lisa continues to show her giving spirit by coaching various youth sports, volunteering at church, and helping with local school activities. 


Right now, Lisa's financial situation is tough.  Because of the chemo, she struggles to work at her part-time hotel job for even 8 hours a week.  As you can imagine, the monthly bills are mounting, not to mention years of medical debt and other household expenses.  Lisa currently lives with her best friend Dorene and Dorene’s two teenage sons.  The diagnosis has created financial and emotional turmoil for all of them.  Relying only on Dorene’s limited income has placed great strain on a family already stretched to its breaking point. 


 
Lisa will do anything for those she loves.  Now is the time for us to repay her for her kindness and support her as she fights cancer once again.  Anything you can give will be much appreciated!  I’ll continue to keep you posted on Lisa’s progress.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.