Hi, my name is Theresa and I have been very good friends with Karen for over 15 years. This past year has been tough watching my dear friend navigate this disease.

Early in 2022, Karen was diagnosed with advanced Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma – a somewhat rare but very aggressive and unpredictable form of Head & Neck cancer. It originated in her salivary gland and traveled through several nerves and glands all the way to the base of her skull near her brain. She underwent invasive surgery to her mouth and neck to remove the tumor and related tissue (nerves/glands/lymph nodes), ultimately requiring extensive reconstructive surgery as well.

Her treatment included 33 grueling rounds of radiation. Unfortunately, one of the many side effects from the radiation caused her esophagus to shrink. This has left her unable to swallow solid foods, and she now relies on a feeding tube.

Karen has incurred a lot of “out of pocket” costs associated with her ongoing treatment and recovery these past several months - which her health insurance does not cover. Some of these costs include special food and vitamins & supplements, along with physical and emotional therapy. Unfortunately, Karen’s current income does not allow her to meet her financial needs, and these costs will continue to accumulate as she continues her fight, thus creating more financial strain.

Please join me in helping Karen to recover financially, so she can concentrate on her physical and emotional recovery.

Any contribution is appreciated. If you prefer to reach out to Karen on your own – please do so.

*****************************************************************************

ACC is a rare disease, constituting approximately 10% of all head and neck tumors. It has no known symptoms or cause and most often occurs in the areas of the head and neck, in particular the salivary glands. This form of cancer has a high recurrence rate and often metastasizes to other organs.

More information can be found at:

www.accoi.org

www.webmd.com/cancer/adenoid-cystic-carcinoma