Help Skye Slay Cancer

Imagine starting your freshman year at your first-choice school, the University of Rhode Island, joining a sorority, celebrating your 19th birthday, and dreaming about a whole year of possibilities that are just beginning to unfold. Can you imagine all of these joyful moments? Now, can you imagine them coming to a screeching halt? 

On December 13th, Skyelar was forced to come to terms with an unimaginable reality: she has cancer.  

After a summer filled with multiple emergency room and urgent care visits, and a fall filled with missed classes and visits home due to illness, it became clear that something was very wrong. Persistence and advocacy led to a papillary thyroid cancer diagnosis. The cancer has spread to the majority of her lymph nodes and will require 2-3 surgeries, followed by iodine radiation therapy and possible chemotherapy. Additionally, she has two arteriovenous malformations, known as AVMs in her lungs that will require a separate surgery before treating the cancer and she is undergoing testing to check for AVMs in her brain. 

Humor has always been one of Skyelar’s greatest gifts; announcing her cancer diagnosis to friends in a now-viral TikTok post (https://www.tiktok.com/@skyelarbabineau/video/7177031230678994219) has brought a wave of unexpected attention, attention that has lit a fire in her to support others during their time of need and to bring awareness for self-advocacy in the health care realm. But right now, as fellow classmates move out for winter break, Skyelar is forced to take a leave of absence from her collegiate path and begin a fight that no one should have to fight. 

Even with health insurance, the cost is financially overwhelming. A thyroid cancer diagnosis comes with lifelong monetary obligations due to medications, follow-up appointments, and any complications that may arise. Donations will go directly to Skyelar’s medical treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital, co-pays, travel (gas, tolls, parking - multiple times a week), and unforeseen medical expenses that have yet to unfold. Any excess funds will be set aside for the exploration of fertility options before radiation therapy, allowing her to have options in the future. Remaining funds may also be put towards tuition for classes that have been missed and may need to be made up post-treatment. 

A significant medical diagnosis at any age is life altering, but it shouldn’t be financially ruining. Any help will be greatly appreciated and will help to alleviate additional stress as both Skye and our family begin to navigate the unfamiliar world of cancer. 

Skye is a vibrant, strong, humorous and sassy young woman. She is a fantastic daughter, stellar sister (I know, because she’s mine!) and a quirky friend. Never one to back down from going above and beyond to help the ones she loves, she deserves nothing but love, support, and an overflowing cup of good energy and vibes. I’ve chosen to start this GoFundMe as a way for all of the amazing people we know to support her in this way if they’re able. I am grateful and humbled daily by the outpouring of support that has already been shared with our family.

In gratitude and love, 

Skye’s Big Sister