Help Sallyann fight pancreatic cancer

Earlier this year, our mom was diagnosed with incurable stage IV pancreatic cancer that spread to her lungs, lymph nodes, and liver. Of all cancers, this form- pancreatic adenocarcinoma, has one of the worst possible prognoses.

Throughout the last 8 months, our mom has been making semi-weekly journeys to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan to undergo a last resort, experimental chemotherapy treatment. Throughout every step of the process, she has remained good humored and optimistic. Even so, the treatment regimen has been rigorous, exhausting, and not without great cost. That is where we ask for your help.

For the first few months of treatment, to the amazement of us all, she was somehow able to continue working as a nurse part-time. Unfortunately, due to the intensity of the chemo side-effects, as well as complications caused by the tumor itself (numerous blood clots and severe neuropathy), she has been unable to work for several months and has had to put all her focus on her health.

As of now, mom is on unpaid medical leave from her job and barely able to make ends meet. Seeing as her diagnosis is terminal, she will remain on chemotherapy for the rest of her life. My mom hates to ask for help, but she has spent far too many nights lying awake, agonizing over how she can possibly get the bills paid.

We would like to give our mom a life where she can worry a little less about financial hardship, and that's why we humbly ask for your help. Even the smallest amount will be immensely appreciated, as every dollar we receive will go directly to paying bills and expenses related to cancer treatment, such as travel and out of pocket costs for medication. Ideally, if we raise enough, we will be able to afford additional integrative treatments to supplement the chemotherapy.

Thank you so much to all who read, donate, share, and also to those with kind words and prayers. Your love and support in this difficult time has gone a long way to making life a little more bearable.