Last year Marlen Bulnes was diagnosed with NeuroEndocrine Cancer. It’s metastasized multiple times and she’s had to undergo several surgeries and will begin radiation soon. She’s had to quit her job as an SLPA. She worked hard for 5 years to earn her degree to do the job that she loves and just got hit with this horrible medical situation. She’s an amazing friend and mom. She is beloved by all who know her. Please donate anything you can! ❤️

Dear friends,

What do you do when you find out that your life is not going to be what you though it would be?...In spring of last year, after much health and pain issues I found out that I was carrying a syndrome called MEN1 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1). This syndrome is genetic and it attacks your endocrine system. Soon, doctors started to find tumors all over my body. I have a tumor in my brain, (had) one in the thyroid, (had) one in the thymus gland, and I have one in the pancreas.

 Doctors immediately started gamma knife radiation for my brain tumor last year, followed by an emergency surgery of the tumor removal for the thyroid. Next, they focused on a massive tumor in the chest (thymus gland) but my fear was confirmed when the biopsy came back, yes, it is cancer. Neuroendocrine cancer of the thymus which has already metastasized to the bones.

Four weeks ago, I went through the scariest thing in my life! I underwent surgery on my chest to remove the tumor wrapped around the pericardium (sack that protects the heart). Needless to say, it has been removed along with the pericardium.

In the coming days, I will start radiation followed by chemotherapy to address the chest cancer particles that might have been left behind and the bone cancer. As I move forward through this process I want to express my gratitude for all who have been praying for me, I am forever grateful for your support!

I have not  worked since last Spring and I will not be ready to go to work until I am done with all my treatments. Not having a job means that I have to pay for private insurance and that has been a challenge of its own.                                     

As I mentioned before, this is a genetic disease and chances are that my five children are carriers as well. My eldest son has already tested positive and had to go through thyroid surgery.  As I continue through this journey, I would be forever grateful for whatever you can help with towards my GoFundMe account to help to pay for medical bills as well as other expenses involved in this process.

Anything that you can donate I will be grateful for! I believe that our Father in Heaven loves and cares for each one of us, He is aware of our challenges and struggles, He walks with us to give us of His strength when we ours fade. Things will work out, He always provides a way! Thank you and may the Lord bless all!!

Marlen