A little about Natalie and why I’m organizing this fundraiser

I’m organizing this GoFundMe for my dear friend, Natalie - she’s 26 and recently diagnosed with uveal (ocular) melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

I care deeply about Natalie; she is family in every sense of the word. She even tells people I’m her mom (with my age and a “few” gray hairs, it's believable!) which says everything about the closeness we share.

Natalie would never ask for help herself, so I asked if I could do this for her.

She’s the kind of person who gives more than she ever asks for and always manages to make others laugh, even in the hardest moments. She’s generous and always thinking of everyone else first, even now, when she’s the one who deserves the most care and support.

Natalie’s story

A few months ago, Natalie felt pressure in her eye that, over time, became extremely painful. After several tests, doctors discovered a massive tumor and diagnosed her with uveal melanoma. Because of the tumor’s size and location, radiation and other treatments weren’t possible. The only way to treat the tumor and help fight this cancer was to remove her eye.

Since then, scans revealed that the cancer has spread to Natalie’s spine and liver. She’s been through multiple MRIs, CT scans, bloodwork, biopsies, and long specialist appointments that can be overwhelming at times with so much information and so many challenges.

Through it all, she has been resilient, determined, and hopeful - never “woe is me,” though she’d have every right to feel that way. Her strength and spirit put me, and others, in awe on a regular basis. It’s a lot for one person to take on, especially at such a young age.

Her oncologist is hopeful that an upcoming investigative clinical trial may help slow or stop the cancer’s progression. Treatments are still evolving, which makes this trial especially important.

The trial is not sponsored, which means it isn’t fully funded. While insurance helps - and the company Natalie works for has been incredibly helpful and supportive - this all only covers a portion of the costs. The trial will involve in-hospital treatments, ongoing scans, and biopsies.

Who Natalie is

Natalie is one of the most giving, kind-hearted people I know. She’s genuine, funny, and compassionate. She loves her three cats, fishing, and day trips to the beach in the off-season with her boyfriend, whose love and support have meant so much to her.

Day trip to the beach

She also has a casual girlie side too. Natalie likes pink, takes time with her hair even when it is a labor of love, and she’s a big Bob’s Burgers fan who can happily watch it on repeat. And she's always trying to find out if/when her favorite band, Modern Baseball will be playing again with the hopes of attending.

Celebrating "the boys" birthdays pre-diagnosis/surgery

She’s also one of the few people who can handle my dramatic 100-pound white shepherd, Hera, whom she affectionately calls “big lady.” They have such a strong bond; it’s awesome to see, and I’m never sure who’s happier to see the other.

Natalie and Hera aka "big lady"

Natalie works hard and has always supported herself. She also helps care for her younger brother, who means the world to her. With everything happening, the appointments, treatments, and time away from work, the costs keep piling up. Yet even with so much on her plate, she stays herself, steady, caring, and thinking of others.

Where your donation will go

This fundraiser will help Natalie focus on her care and recovery without the added stress of what’s next. Your donation will go toward:

• Medical costs, including high co-pays for imaging, tests, and ongoing care

• Expenses related to the clinical trial, which is not fully funded

• Everyday essentials, such as rent, groceries, and transportation as time away from work increases

• And, if possible, a trip to Oregon to consult the ocularist she has long hoped to see, plus a chance to take a breather and enjoy some small comforts and a moment or two to relax.

Out-of-pocket expenses to date have already been significant, and this is all before Natalie’s treatment even begins. One example, before her eye surgery could take place, $1,200 was required up-front and another $650 soon after; none of it covered by insurance. It’s been a steady stream of costs since then.

Natalie’s Health Savings Account (HSA) - which began at $3,600 - has been drained by high co-pays for imaging, scans, and specialist visits; each MRI carries a $200 co-pay, and there have already been several with more to come. Her prosthetic eye cost $4,700; a $4,000 grant from the Ocular Melanoma Foundation - which we’re very thankful for - helped significantly offset the expense, with the remaining $700 paid by Natalie.

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to read Natalie’s story and for any help you can give. Whether it’s through a donation or by sharing her story, your kindness and support mean a lot. I’ll continue to share updates along the way. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Natalie pre-diagnosis/surgery