Kelly beat homelessness...help her beat cancer!

Kelly Howarth, a licensed esthetician and owner of Brazil Appeal Waxing in San Diego, CA, is usually the one helping others.  She’s organized holiday Sock-a-Thons where she and her clients have donated thousands of brand new socks for the homeless, she’s raised money to send children to burn camp, she’s donated Thanksgiving dinners, and even grocery store food cards for San Diego’s low income families.  Even though Kelly has experienced much adversity in her own life, she’s kept moving forward with a positive attitude even opening up Brazil Appeal Waxing in 2010 when she herself was homeless.

After losing her parents back-to-back from cancer then the family dog, Lucy, and her beloved kitty, Nahla, from cancer last summer, Kelly found herself facing the biggest challenge of her life as she, too, was recently diagnosed with cancer.  Kelly has a virulent form of breast cancer which only 15% of women get, but astonishingly and miraculously, it’s only at Stage 2.  Kelly believes she’s still here today only due to “God’s grace, mercy, and love for me.”  

Kelly’s medical team, which consists of her medical oncologist, breast reconstruction surgeon, and radiation oncologist, has put together a vigorous program to help save her life.  Our prayer is that by the fall of 2020, Kelly can announce she’s cancer-free. She’s set to begin an aggressive round of chemotherapy for several months, followed by breast reconstruction surgery to remove the cancerous lump, and then a daily course of radiation for 6 weeks.

Kelly is self-employed and doesn’t employ any staff.  She doesn’t have any other income other than her waxing business.  She has no family or spouse who can help her financially.  She has two elderly aunts in Arizona who do provide emotional support, but cannot provide financial support.  Due to her chemo treatments ahead and breast reconstruction surgery that will follow, not to mention all of her other medical appointments in between, it will be necessary for Kelly to reduce her workload by at least half.  We’re asking you to please help offset Kelly’s medical and cost of living expenses during her year-long battle. Your generosity is much appreciated and all donations large or small are welcomed.

Despite her serious diagnosis, Kelly is optimistic and grateful.  “For what I have, it’s truly a miracle that it’s only Stage 2.  Obviously, I’m not thrilled I have cancer and I realize it’s going to be a tough battle ahead, however, I have no right to be angry or play victim because I have so much to be grateful for starting with God who loves me so much, my sweet and loving cousin, Tamara, who’s accompanied me to all of my medical appointments, my dear aunts in Arizona, wonderful friends, and all of my incredible and supportive clients who have showered me with their love and prayers.”  

She goes on to say, “In my life I’ve always tried to pay it forward and will continue to do so with this diagnosis.  However, I’m now reaching out to others and asking for your financial assistance so I can focus on my healing and not stress about how I’m going to pay my bills or worse the fear of becoming homeless again because of the need to work part-time instead of full-time as I heal.  With your love, support, and prayers I believe we will overcome and prevail against this enemy.  Thank you so much for your generosity and I will keep everybody “abreast” on my journey via my personal and business Facebook pages.”