Hi, my name is Lizette Gutierrez. I’m 26 years old, engaged, and mother to 4 wonderful babies: 10yrs, 3yrs, 1yr, and newborn. My life has definitely taken a quick and unfortunate turn in the past two months. Here’s my story….

I had my daughter November 16 of 2023, perfect delivery to a beautiful and healthy baby. Coming home to excited siblings and family, we all unfortunately tested positive for the Flu, however, I had the worst of it as my immune system was extremely low from having a baby. Evidently, 4 days later I went unconscious with extremely high fevers of 104 and higher and was rushed to the ER. There they proceeded with CT Scans, MRI’s and X-Rays to make sure there wasn’t an underlying cause to this other than the Flu.

11/20/2023 - I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer…my world came crushing down in seconds. At a time I was supposed to be cherishing life with my newborn and bonding with my family, only to find myself on this scared, depressed, and confused rollercoaster of emotions. Unfortunately, it didn’t end there. As I followed through with appointments to see many different specialists for my diagnoses, my bloodwork showed I also tested positive for Lynch Syndrome - a genetic mutation of cancer cells spread throughout main organs of the body. A combination so deadly. What felt like sabotage.

Now to present day, this has lead to major surgery decisions of a total Colectomy (removing my entire colon), total Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy (removing my uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes). Followed by 3-6 months of chemotherapy. Not only are we faced with these major life-changing decisions, but we’re also faced with financial strain. Medical bills, specialists visits, treatment: chemotherapy and immune therapy. I’m forced to stop nursing my newborn due to chemo, faced with formula costs. I will be in serious recovery for 6 weeks and unable to be the mother I am today, meaning my husband will have to take FMLA unpaid to care for the kids and I at this time. Any little thing will help so much.

Death doesn’t scare me, but leaving my kids at a time they very much need their mother is my biggest fear.

Jeremiah 17:14: "Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise."