In 1995, Mrs. Lisa was diagnosed with Lymphoma. After undergoing chemo and radiation treatment she was told the lymphoma was gone. It wasn't long after, during a checkup, she was told that the cancer had metastasized. She was then diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, which is a form of lung cancer. This meant tumors formed outside of the lungs and the cancer also metastasized in her kidney. This required additional chemo and radiation while new tumors were emerging in her vertebrae and brain. By 2004 she was transferred from Pennsylvania to Florida for care following the removal of the 6 tumors that formed in her brain. At this stage she was learning what it was like to live with metastasized cancer. The year to follow was a constant battle of maintaining and putting out fires.

By 2005, Mrs. Lisa was given 4 months to live. Faced with this prognosis, her engaged daughter needing her mother by her side swiftly organized a wedding within that time. However, she herself never considered preparing for death, as it was not an option in her mind. Her new mantra became “no date stamp here,” and she relentlessly researched and sought other answers. Her quest for alternatives became her primary goal and job, a task made easier in Florida. She traveled to various hospitals in different states and abroad for treatment. She has endured numerous surgeries and rounds of chemo and at one point felt that chemo may be more harmful than cancer itself. Despite advancements like the gamma knife, she had adverse reactions to these treatments and chose a holistic approach. This change significantly improved her cancer and overall health. Unfortunately, our country and health care system do not recognize or cover these costs. We mainly rely on chemo, radiation, and a few other treatments.

Two years ago, she underwent a year-long trial that led to a state of “remission”. This did not mean she was cancer-free; her tumor markers were just within the remission range. Knowing metastatic cancer could resurface, especially coupled with her autoimmune disease making her system vulnerable, she faced a mental battle. Despite this, achieving remission brought indescribable relief.

Unfortunately for our sweet, loving, strong Mrs. Lisa this relief wouldn’t last. During the latest procedure, cancer cells were removed from the bottom of her esophagus, the top portion of her small intestines, and the lining of her stomach. It was initially considered sufficient, but now it has been determined that chemotherapy and radiation are required again. Due to her previous adverse reactions and to optimize her chances of recovery, she will need to continue with holistic treatments. The financial toll this took on her and her family the last time was something she almost couldn’t recover from. With that being said, we are requesting support from the community on behalf of this beautiful soul who has influenced, transformed and improved many lives. If you can donate, then any amount would be greatly appreciated. If not, simply sharing her story and broadening the reach would be tremendous help as well.

“Asking for help is not one of my strong points at all. Considering my first diagnosis was in 1995, my children were all young and have all lived with me having cancer through their school years, college and adulthood. However, they have blessed me with seven grandchildren to continue my fight. They are ALWAYS my why. I have made so many friends on this journey. I have lost too many friends on this journey. I also know what this journey can take from you financially, physically, and mentally; a disease shouldn't do that. A family shouldn't lose their house. A family shouldn't lose everything basically to fight a disease. I can tell you that with the help of coaches, physicians, and research people, I have learned there are so many ways to fight these diseases; you must keep going, one day at a time. As you can see, I far exceeded the prognosis that I was given 20 years ago. I accredit this to my other healthcare options that are/were part of my daily healthcare regimen. Whatever power you believe in that's what you hold on to. I'm surrounded by prayer warriors who have constantly kept me lifted. My family has been the root of my strength; my friends, who have become my family, are the roots of my strength. Each day, in my mind, it’s just one more day; let’s go, one more day.” – Mrs. Lisa