Through Janet's journey of battling Stage IV Cancer since 2009, the financial toll has been very difficult on her and Tony, as you can imagine. After not wanting to ask for help, they are now in a position where they are having to see if their family and friends can help them financially. Since Janet cannot work and Tony's work is restricted, Cancer Financial Toxicity is significant.  Every day of life is a day of high medical expenses for the Mazzurco's. While Janet is on Medicare disability, and Tony is on regular Medicare, supplemental insurance, prescriptions, and medical treatment costs them about $5,000 per month. 

They need your help! We have a fund-raising goal of $15,000.00. This would relieve a 3-month burden of medical costs. Anything you can give towards this is greatly appreciated.  

Here is Janet and Tony’s story.  As some of you may know, Janet's Cancer journey with melanoma started in 2009 when she had a melanoma removed from her upper arm. Janet went under the care of doctors in Greensboro, NC as well as Chapel Hill, being monitored regularly for any other spots that were suspicious.

On July 4, 2014, after a week of suffering from a massive headache, Janet went to the emergency room and found out that she had a brain tumor in the left cerebellum of her brain. Melanoma had penetrated her brain, making it a "Stage 4" Cancer diagnosis.  After more extensive diagnostic tests, it was also discovered that there was a smaller tumor located within the supratentorial (information super highway) of her brain. That tumor was treated with Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. Sadly, radiation failed Janet. The size of her second brain tumor increased which resulted in a second brain surgery. Janet ended up having two brain surgeries, one in August 2014, and another in December 2014.  Doctors also discovered Janet had 13 melanoma lesions in her liver, and two lesions in her lung. Janet is systemic (affecting entire body) with stage IV Metastatic melanoma. At that time, her life expectancy was 120 days.   

Early in 2015, Janet was put on ipilimumab ("Yervoy") - an autoimmune therapy. Janet's treatment was administered through UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill.  Since Yervoy was in its infancy in the public domain, insurance did not cover Janet’s treatment. Janet and Tony decided to fight the melanoma - despite Janet’s advanced stage – regardless, of the impact that this would have on their financial situation. Janet believed she could and she did survive more than 120 days that was originally predicted! She has a strong will to survive. Janet has powerful desire to make a difference in research & development of treating cancer. She works tirelessly to coach and provide hope to others fighting this awful beast of melanoma.   

Janet is monitored regularly by her doctors at UNC Chapel Hill as well as locally in Greensboro.  She is unable to work and suffers the daily side effects of Yervoy - significant digestive issues, painful neuropathy, and extreme sensitivity to weather changes (barometric pressure changes = severe headaches).  Janet is now undergoing integrative therapies (not covered by insurance) for pain management.  In addition, she has a regular regimen of prescriptions and frequent doctors' appointments.  Janet has beaten all the odds regarding survival - as her doctors told her in July 2014 that she wouldn't see Christmas that year. She is a true miracle!

Tony has been her loving and dedicated caregiver during this time.  But, caregivers also suffer challenges.  As many of you know, Tony's profession is marble and tile installation which takes its toll on your body. Last year, Tony delayed knee replacement surgery due to Janet's illness. After he finally had it and recovered well, he went back to work. Recently, severe knee pain has occurred in his opposite knee. Tony needs to have another knee replacement done sooner than later as Tony's knee restricts how much work he can take on – which indeed effects income.

Janet's most recent doctor's visit resulted in uncertain results - her cancer markers are fluctuating.  Janet and her Doctors are indeed in uncharted territory, as Janet is their first Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma Cancer patient to survive this amount of time given the number of tumors she had, and the fact that her cancer had broken the blood-brain barrier. There are Oncologists across the globe that are monitoring Janet's situation, but no one can predict what is next - other than the side effects will get worse. Janet’s next set of scans are scheduled for early September. It is recommended Tony hold off on knee surgery until Janet’s team can get a better read on Janet’s future.  

No question, Janet and Tony believe that Janet's survival is a gift from our amazing God. She is also benefiting from Tony's care, as he has turned into a great nutritionist. 

Only by God’s Grace, almost 4 years later, Janet is still with us.  While immunotherapy drugs have become more commonplace, theFinancial Toxicity of battling cancer has set in. Medical burdens have taken a severe toll on Janet and Tony's personal savings. Financial worries have now created stress for Janet. Stress is one major issue Janet’s medical team has her warned against. It will have a negative impact. Stress creates an environment for tumor reoccurrence.  

So, Janet and Tony are now at the part of their journey where they are reaching out for your generous support.  Thank you for your amazing love and support of Janet & Tony, as well as your continued prayers!