Hi, my name is Debbie Andreatos, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my nephew Gavin Laws, his wife Melissa, and their daughter Imogen, who live in Barbados.

Melissa was recently diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease that requires fast, intensive, and highly specialized treatment. Because GoFundMe does not support direct withdrawals to Barbados, I’ve stepped in to manage the campaign so that all funds raised go directly toward Melissa’s care and recovery.

Here is a message from Melissa, Gavin, and Imogen.

Melissa’s Story

Just a few weeks ago, life changed completely for Melissa and our family.

She underwent a double mastectomy and lymph node removal, and is now facing over a year-long treatment journey that includes:

• 6 rounds of chemotherapy

• PHESGO injections every 3 weeks for 12 months - a targeted HER2+ therapy that combines Herceptin and Perjeta into a single injection

• Ongoing CT scans, echocardiograms, and bloodwork

• Dozens of monitoring appointments

• 5 weeks of daily (Monday-Friday) radiation therapy

Throughout this, Melissa is showing extraordinary strength and resilience - but the physical and emotional demands are enormous.

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The Financial Reality

Even with insurance, the financial burden is overwhelming. The PHESGO medication alone costs over $133,000 USD for the full year. When you add chemotherapy, radiation, diagnostic scans, and the cost of travel and accommodation when radiation treatment must be done off-island, the total cost of care exceeds $180,000 USD.

Here’s a breakdown of what the treatment journey involves:

• PHESGO injections (17 doses over 12 months)

• Chemotherapy (6 cycles)

• Radiation therapy (5 weeks, daily sessions)

• Ongoing monitoring: CT scans, echocardiograms, bloodwork

• Infusion and clinic visit fees

• Travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for off-island care

Total estimated out-of-pocket cost: $180,000+ USD

Melissa is currently out of work and had been preparing to begin a new professional opportunity in September. But with the intensity and duration of treatment ahead - including weekly appointments, radiation, and targeted therapy - she’s had to place those plans on hold. Right now, her full energy must go toward healing, both physically and emotionally.

Gavin is doing everything he can to keep things steady on a single income, while also being fully present for Melissa and caring for their daughter, Imogen, who turns two soon and is about to start school in September.

❤️ Why We’re Asking for Help

We’ve always tried to manage on our own - and asking for help is really hard. But right now, we need to give Melissa the one thing that could make a difference: peace of mind. The space to focus fully on healing, without the constant weight of how we’re going to cover the next treatment, scan, or medication.

This isn’t just about medicine - it’s about making sure Melissa is here, healthy, and strong for the years ahead. For Imogen. For our family. For the life we still plan to build.

Any contribution - big or small - will help lighten the load. If you’re not able to donate, just sharing this with your network can make a difference too.

We are deeply grateful for the love and support we’ve already received. It’s carried us through the hardest moments, and we’re holding on to hope - not just for healing, but for a full life after this storm.

With love and gratitude,

Melissa, Gavin & Imogen