Angela Vaden-Cruice is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, registered nurse, loyal friend, and more. She had just celebrated her 40th birthday with family in the Keys, was transitioning into a dream role as a lactation consultant, working full-time plus her side gigs, and mothering four kids ages 4, 7, 11, 16 (plus other kids who have become part of the family), when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While the size of the tumor and the type of breast cancer indicated that this was an aggressive cancer, Angela’s loved ones knew she would kick this cancer’s ass. Kicking cancer’s ass requires grit, perspective, strength, coping skills, love, and resilience – all of which Angela has and has utilized before. But, kicking cancer’s ass without kicking Angela and her family’s asses requires caretakers, caretakers for the caretakers, medical insurance, and medical leave. While Angela is lucky to have medical leave, short-term disability only provides 60% of her pay. They slimmed their budget significantly, and are deeply appreciative of the food pantry fund set up by Aunt Crystal and Aunt Ginger and all who have donated. Financially, things were really stretched thin at a time when it would be so nice not to have to give up little luxuries – but it was doable. That is, until she learned that her employment contract provides only six months of insurance while she’s on leave, so she’s losing her insurance at the end of October, well before her double mastectomy, reconstruction, and recovery. After researching and comparing her options, she has to pay for her insurance out of pocket, which will be $1600-1800/month. There is simply no room in the budget for these added costs, and there’s no room in this fight for these added stressors. So, on behalf of her family, we ask you to consider donating whatever you can. No donation amount is too small – it all adds up! But, we hope you’ll also share with others who might be able to give a little (or a lot.) Just like fighting cancer, we can do this together if we give a little and ask others to do the same.

 

Supportive love is like a symphony, with people expressing their love and support in all kinds of beautiful and unique ways. Keep doing your thing - the texts, cards, gifts, calls, flowers, gift cards, comments, help, prayers, and positive vibes – because it all helps Angela have the strength to fight.

 

Sending our love and appreciation to you and hoping that you and yours are staying healthy and safe.