Join Carmen's Battle Against Heart Tumor

Carmen is my sister and friend. She is also a dedicated wife and a loving mother. She is family oriented and never misses a family gathering. She works hard, alongside her husband, to support her family. Carmen has always been positive, funny, loving, kindhearted and a good all-around person. She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. My sister's battle started back in 2009, when she was diagnosed as having a cancer identified as Sarcoma. During surgery, to remove her ruptured ovary, the surgeon found a tumor that was hidden in her intestines. A second surgery was performed to remove the tumor along with part of her large intestine. She underwent radiation and was cleared of cancer. A sense of relief and feeling blessed, overcame the family. We thought it was over. Life had other plans.

Carmen’s battle is far from over. Since then, she has had 8 other surgeries to remove the tumors. Her second tumor was removed, and she had chemotherapy 24/7, happening a total of 3 weeks. Recently, a tumor was found in her heart. This one is by far the most difficult to remove. The tumor is located on the inside wall of her heart and removing it could cause heart failure. Doctors think a heart transplant would be the best route to take, but due to her extensive battle with cancer she does not qualify for a heart.

Along with the scars, the surgeries and treatments have left behind other difficulties. The radiation treatment caused fertility issues; the chemo treatment left her with severe panic attacks. The scars left her feeling insecure. Carmen has always wanted to be a mother and prides herself in being an attentive loving mom. She was able to have 2 children, a little boy who is 4 and their daughter is 2. Her son is autistic (non-verbal). He is very smart and very curious and requires a lot of attention and care. Aside from school, he is enrolled with an independent company to give him one on one attention to help with his learning. They are both full of energy and need extra care.

Not only has this battle been difficult emotionally and physically for her and her family, but it has also been a burden financially. Her husband works many weekends and Carmen picks up shifts when she can. I am coming to you with a humbled, hopeful heart. Any help provided will be appreciated and used toward her medical bills and to continue providing for the family. The tumor has put a strain on her heart, and you can see her physical struggles. In the meantime, they will be traveling to Minnesota for a second opinion (and hopefully treatment) to the Mayo Clinic. Cancer has had a negative impact but has also shown all of us to never take even the smallest blessing for granted. Her fear is leaving her children behind, especially when her son needs lifelong care.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and any help you can provide. I will be surprising her with the funds.