HELP BARBARA WESTERFER DEMEDIO FIGHT CANCER. Please family and friends, "Let me tell you about my best friend".

I have started a GoFundMe campaign for my best friend since the age of 10, who then also became my dear sister-in-law, Barbara Westerfer DeMedio. Barbara is so many things to so many family and friends in her life, which is a testament to how she makes so many feel so special. Barbara lights up every room she walks into. Her smile, laughter, sense of humor, and enthusiasm are simply contagious. Barbara needs our help!

Barb was not feeling well for some time now. After a colonoscopy was completed, she was diagnosed with a very large cancerous tumor which has grown to over 10cm in size. This has caused several complications, and she was admitted to the hospital earlier than anticipated. She has lost a lot of blood, and her hemoglobin is very low. She Her entire colon, which is a total abdominal colectomy, will be removed during the surgery. Barb also has a neuromuscular disease called CMT. CMT is a debilitating disease in itself. Barb suffers severe atrophy to her hands and feet. Because of this, her balance and walking ability suffer greatly. This disease also causes intense and very painful cramping and spasms to her hands, legs, and feet. This disease is also a daily battle that Barb must fight through. Patients with CMT cannot tolerate chemotherapy drugs, so that will not be an option in her care. Before the colon surgery can proceed Barb will start a regimen of immunotherapy. The Oncology team has made the decision to target and shrink the tumor before proceeding with the colectomy. She will start immunotherapy on February 11th.

Barb has overcome so many obstacles in her life. She is so kind, giving, and generous and has helped so many over the years. I cannot adequately put into words what she means to me. She is so much more than my best friend. She is my rock, a solid foundation in my life, my heart, and a constant source of encouragement and laughter. We joke that we are Laverne and Shirley and Lucy and Ethel. We always know what the other is thinking and sometimes call each other at the same time. We don't miss a day of talking, and that cannot change. To be honest, I am scared. We cannot lose her, and I want to help alleviate the burden of the financial challenges to come while she is out of work.

Barb is the mother of two beautiful and amazing daughters, Carla and Alexis, who she adores with all of her heart. She is so honored to be their mother. My nieces are amazing, caring, loving, and fierce just like their mother. I am so proud of them. Barb also has two adorable grandchildren who give her so much love and happiness and make her so very proud. She adores them, and they bring so much light and laughter into her life. She is also the stepmother to Joey, who she helped raise and instilled in him all the love and goodness she could give! I am so proud of you, Joey.

The career path Barb chose is a paraprofessional in an autistic support classroom with a local school district. She absolutely loves her job and misses being with her students since she has been ill. She has helped support so many students over the years and has assisted them in reaching their educational goals. Barb will not receive any pay during her recovery time, and she has exhausted all of her personal and sick days for the remainder of the school year. I am graciously asking for your help so that she may pay her monthly expenses until she may return to work. Barb has given so much to so many over the years, and now she needs our help. Please consider donating so that she may have peace of mind and not worry about her expenses piling up. She will need to rest and heal. The daily stress and financial burden of cancer is very consuming.

Thank you so much for reading Barb's story and for considering a donation. If you are unable to donate, please send all of your prayers, well wishes, and good vibes for her immunotherapy treatment and upcoming surgery. Please pray for healing and a full recovery. She will need all of your prayers, well wishes and positive vibes to fight this horrible genetic disorder. Your kindness means the world to her family during this difficult time. I love you so much, Barb, and you are not in this fight alone. We have so many more adventures to come and you will beat this! Also, there are so many family members and friends who will be there right by your side to fight right along with you. Conshy Strong!

With love and gratitude,

Jackie