Join Julie's Fight Against Lung Cancer

Hello, my name is Iona Bristol and I am asking for your help raising funds for my mother, Julie Bristol.

My mother is incredibly kind and incredibly loved. She has built a strong community around her, a community that is shocked and devastated by her recent cancer diagnosis. As much as we can support her, regrettably, we cannot offer much in the way of financial aid. While that should not be a factor in her ability to obtain treatment, unfortunately, it is one of the biggest obstacles in her overcoming this awful and sudden illness.

Her official diagnosis is stage 3A non-small cell adenocarcinoma of the lung. Lung cancer. I find it important to note that my mother has never smoked and takes incredibly good care of herself, eating well and staying active. I cannot stress enough how shocking this diagnosis was, the result of a prolonged cough she believed to be the flu. She has begun her chemotherapy treatment at UVM Medical Center and is awaiting surgery. She will continue her work as a special educator in Vermont throughout her treatment, as she cares deeply for the work and relies on the job for her health insurance. However, even with the help from insurance, there are many unexpected costs. The majority of her treatment will be taking place in New York City, as the facility there (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) is best equipped to handle her case. This means consistent travel costs, as well as the cost of treatment, alongside missed pay during this period.

My mother is selfless and caring, a wonderful friend, teacher, and role model to me and my sisters. She has always been a hero. I have watched my mother overcome many things and believe that she has the strength to overcome this too. But I am scared, and I know she is too. I have also watched as her pride stands in the way of her asking for help where it was needed, so I am asking. Please contribute if you can, anything helps.