Help Meredith with her Cancer Journey

Hi, my name is Stephanie Reisner, and I am fundraising for my sister and brother-in-law, Meredith and Alex D'Angelo.

 

Meredith has been diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma. The money raised will go directly towards Meredith's medical expenses. In addition, Meredith and Alex are pursuing future fertility options, which are expensive and not covered by insurance, to increase the chances of starting a family after completing chemotherapy. Meredith and Alex are blown away by the outpour of love and support from friends and family as this journey begins. Thank you!

 

In Meredith's own words...

 

1/24/22: the day my life forever changed.

On this day, a small neck ache turned into a lump near my clavicle. After the lump grew exponentially over a couple hour span, I headed to the ER. Scans at the ER showed masses around my left clavicle. After talking to an oncologist the next day, I was quickly admitted to main campus Cleveland clinic where I underwent multiple tests and a surgery to find I was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

It’s been overwhelming and a lot to process these last several days to say the least. One day you are completely fine, just living life as a healthy human and the next day you are told by some of the best doctors in the world you have cancer. Cancer is a scary word. I sit here and wonder how do I have cancer, why did this happen to me? But then I realize, this is all part of God’s perfect plan for me. I am fighter, I am stronger than I ever thought I was and I will continue to lean on God’s grace to beat this disease. I will not give into my fear, my fear will motivate me to accomplish things I never knew were possible. I know with God next to me, I can conquer anything. I know that WHEN I beat this disease I will be a stronger & braver person.

I have been surrounded by so much love and support that is pushing me through each day with a positive mindset. Thank you to my husband who stayed next to my hospital bed every possible moment he was allowed. Getting up at 5:30am to drive down to the hospital and driving home at 9:30pm each and every day to be with me. He has been my rock, my strength and my courage to get through this. I always knew our marriage was strong but I know this battle is only going to make us unstoppable. My family: my parents and siblings dropped everything the moment my scans showed a possibility of cancer. My mom has worked tirelessly to be near me, helping me understand my condition and taking care of our home. My sister who took off work last week and cleaned our entire house and made use healthy delicious meals. My dad, dropping his work to come to my appointments just to have to sit in the lobby and wait for me. My brother, for calling me and talking to me at 5AM while I was in the hospital being awoken by doctors and nurses for testing. My in laws, each one has supported not only me but Alex as we navigate through this diagnosis. My mother in law for bringing us delicious homemade healthy meals. I couldn’t navigate this without each of you. I am so incredibly thankful. Thank you to two of my closest friends for finding ways to visit me in the hospital. Thank you to our families and all of our friends for checking in on Alex since this journey has begun, he has been so strong for me but I know this has been a lot for him to cope with as well. Taking care of a spouse is never an easy task. From every single person who has called me, sent me a text, a message, flowers or a gift, thank you! Thank you to those of you who have, and continue to, check in on me each and every single day to make sure I am okay. I am blown away by the outpouring prayers, love and support I have received.

Thank you to my Grandma Susan for sending me this verse, it has become a new favorite.

Isaiah 43:1-2. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

From Coach Brandon Staley himself who beat his own battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma “She can do it. Don’t worry about anything or anyone else. Belief and will.”

I’m ready to fight my fight and beat this horrible disease