On June 18th, 2020, Kelly Flynn, our dear friend/co-worker/sister/daughter/ fellow amazing human was diagnosed with Stage 2 Lymphoma.
            Our 23-year-old Kelly had taken a leave from her job at Trader Joe's in March to work as a stewardess on a yacht in order to earn money to fulfill her dream to travel the world. Unfortunately, she had to leave her new position early and returned home in May feeling very unwell. She initially attributed this to stress, but after experiencing swelling in her neck, night sweats, and difficulty with breathing and swallowing she decided she better get checked out by a physician. Kelly's bloodwork came back showing that something was very wrong.
            On June 18th she went to the ER for a CT scan which revealed a mass in her lung the size of a baseball, and after further testing she was diagnosed with lymphoma. A follow up PET scan revealed that in addition to her chest, cancer was also seen in her neck and armpits, and she was diagnosed as Stage 2.
             On July 15th Kelly was rushed to the ER by ambulance as she could not breath or swallow due to the swelling and fluid build-up in her upper body. The paramedics were not able to help her to breathe and Kelly was not sure she was going to make it. In the ER they were finally able to help her with a breathing machine and she was immediately admitted to the ICU at UCSD Hospital - Hillcrest. Once she was stable, she was transferred to UCSD Hospital - Thornton and began receiving the first of her Chemotherapy treatments. She will be undergoing Chemotherapy for the next six months, consisting of two 3-5-hour treatments each month.
During her treatment, and until she recovers, Kelly will need help with tasks of daily living as she cannot risk exposure to a virus or bug of any kind while her immune system is compromised due to her chemo treatments.
            Currently, Kelly has basic insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Her initial oncologist was not confidence inspiring or kind, and in order to have competent physicians Kelly switched her ACA plan so could be treated at the UC hospitals in San Diego. Unfortunately the switch is not effective until the 1st of August. Her current treatment, including the ER visit, time in ICU, and initial Chemo treatment (including extended hospital stay) are not being covered by her current insurance at all. Kelly is racking up an incredible amount of bills for someone just starting off in the world, and even with the new insurance she still has deductibles and co-pays to contend with. Kelly will not be able to work until she recovers and needs all the financial help she can get to assist with medical expenses, housing, nutritious food, and general cost of living expenses.
            Kelly is fortunate to have an amazing mother, father and brother, in addition to a very supportive and loving boyfriend. However, Kelly's mother is also currently battling cancer. Her mother, Myra, has breast cancer and just two days before Kelly was admitted to the ICU, Myra had a mass removed from her breast. Once her breast heals, Myra will be starting radiation treatments and both mother and daughter will be in the thick of their battles with cancer. Kelly's father Michael has always been the financial provider for the family and is a fisherman who is often away at sea. Taking care of his family financially will be difficult as Michael will need to spend more time at home taking care of the physical health needs of his family.
             Any amount that you can give, or love that you send, to help Kelly through this scary time would be helpful. No amount is too big or small. If we all pitch in what we can we should be able to really make a difference in Kelly's fight with cancer, and in her recovery.
            Thank you so much for taking the time to read Kelly's story. xo