Hi, my name is Jessie and I’m raising funds for my cousin Kelly Higgs. She was diagnosed in April 2023 with Thymic Carcinoma. Kelly found the first mass by her heart, which was removed and followed by proton radiation, then chemo. Her 2nd surgery was to remove a tumor in her neck, which necessitated her spine being fussed and a titanium plate placed on the left side of her neck. Again, the surgery was followed by radiation where she was also fitted for a mask covering her head and neck. This round of radiation left Kelly with a large bald spot from near the top of her head and down around her ear. She has also lost hearing in the left ear and sense of taste. Nerve damage radiating from her left temple down the side of her face and across her chin, leaves her with a loss of sensation in that area.

The cancer has now metastasized with tumors on her liver, rib, spine, and 3 lesions on her brain. Her oncologist in Maryland said there is no longer anything they can do to help her. Kelly took it upon herself to seek alternative options. On March 23rd she arrived in Houston, Texas with her mother Nola and Aunt Debbie to see specialist at MD Anderson, Cancer Center. She is awaiting DNA testing results and admission into a clinical trial, in hope of prolonging her life for more than the 6 to 9 months her doctors have quoted her. Her son Josh will be married in September and Kelly is hopeful that she will be here to witness this precious event. She also wants to help others suffering from this horribly debilitating disease. Unfortunately, there is relatively little known regarding this form of cancer.

Kelly has exhausted her insurance and is now incurring bills of $10k or more. Her recent trip to Texas was paid for out of pocket and she will receive bills from those treatments shortly. She has been forced to retire early from her career as a teacher and her savings are dwindling fast. Any contribution you can make would greatly be appreciated. Venmo @Kelly-Higgs-7