Help Liz Cortes Triumph Over Stage 4 Cancer

Hello friends, family, and compassionate supporters.

We are Shaun and Genia Enders, alongside Shannon and Todd Phelps, reaching out on behalf of our dear friend, Liz Cortes, who is facing an urgent and challenging battle with stage 4 metastatic cancer. Despite the daunting prognosis, Liz's spirit and resolve are unyielding. She is determined to overcome this with her faith, resilience, and the support of her loving community.

Where this all began

In October 2022, Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer after consulting with top medical institutions like UCSD, Memorial Sloan in NYC, MD Anderson in Houston, and Cedars Sinai in LA. Liz began her battle against cancer, yet through the journey, the cancer spread to both her brain and back.

Liz's Remarkable Journey Through Emergency Surgeries

During a critical phase of her battle with cancer, Liz faced an urgent turn of events on Valentine’s Day of 2024 that led to three emergency surgeries within just two weeks of each other — two on her brain and one on her back to remove the cancerous growths. This series of procedures was daunting, but Liz's resilience shone brightly through each moment. Astonishingly, after the final back surgery, Liz was able to return home in less than a week — a recovery timeline that her doctors had never seen before. Everyone close to Liz was filled with hope, believing she might finally be out of the woods after these surgeries, followed by two weeks of targeted radiation on her brain and back. Until this point, there had been just shy of $1.5 million dollars of medical expenses, and there was excitement that this was a turning point.

Facing the Reality of Ongoing Treatment

However, the relief was short-lived. Days after her surgeries, Liz and her support network faced a sobering update: the best solution the doctors have is to continue with three hormone-blocking medicines daily with the average life expectancy being three years. While these medications are intended to keep the cancer at bay, they are a stark reminder of the persistent promise of cancer's return. At which time, there would be nothing else they could do to help her.

A New Path Forward

Unwilling to settle for a life shadowed by uncertainty and an unwavering commitment to fight for her life, Liz began researching other options. Liz has turned to Envita Medical Center located in Scottsdale Arizona, where innovative treatment strategies offer new hope. This is why we urgently need your support to fund the critical next steps in her care, helping Liz pursue every possible avenue to reclaim her health and vitality.

Our Goal: Comprehensive Care at Envita Medical Center

Envita Medical Center is known for its groundbreaking treatment of stage four cancer patients, where 98% of their patients face similar daunting odds.

What makes Envita cutting edge is that patients gain access to precision-targeted treatment options. Additionally, Envita’s comprehensive data showcases significant improvements in symptom scores for 88% of patients while experiencing 95% fewer side effects.

In 2020, Envita achieved the distinction of being recognized as a center of excellence for cancer. It is worth noting that approximately 90% of patients who seek treatment at Envita had previously been receiving treatment targeting incorrect drugs, owing to the limited availability of precision oncology in standard cancer treatment centers.

This is an amazing next step for Liz.

To support her treatment and fund the last mile to recovery, we aim to raise:

Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Testing

Travel and medical tests in Arizona on May 8 - 10, 2024. ($15,000)

Phase 2: Intensive Treatment Program

An extensive 10-15 weeks treatment starts as early as the 2nd week of May 2024. ($100,000 - $140,000)

Phase 3: Ongoing Care and Recovery

Upon returning to San Diego, Liz will continue her recovery routine under the care of a local oncologist. Envita provides a post-treatment protocol for Liz when she returns home.

How You Can Help

Donate: Your contributions are crucial for funding the last mile of Liz’s recovery.

Share: One of the most powerful ways you can support Liz is by sharing her story on your social media platforms. Every share extends our reach and multiplies the potential support for Liz’s treatment.

Pray: Join us in prayer for Liz's health and perseverance.

Join the Fundraising Team: Help us organize events and initiatives to raise funds.

Liz's Promise and Faith

Through this ordeal, Liz continues to draw strength from her faith. She believes in the power of prayer and the support of her community. Liz commits to keeping everyone updated with weekly posts about her progress and sharing her needs for prayer.

Inspiring Words Liz Wants to Share

"Because she loves Me, says the LORD, I will rescue her; I will protect her, for she acknowledges My name. She will call on Me, and I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble, I will satisfy her and show her My salvation." - Psalm 91:14-16

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

We are profoundly grateful for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Together, we can help Liz triumph over cancer and return to the vibrant life she cherishes.

Thank you for your love, prayers and support.

Genia and Shaun Enders & Shannon and Todd Phelps