TEAM WOOTEN

Anita Wooten, 43, a wife and mother of two, was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer in the fall of 2013.  Anita has peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the lining of the abdomen.  This cancer affects the lining that protects the contents of the abdomen and which also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly.  She underwent several rounds of aggressive chemotherapy in preparation for an extensive surgery (cytoreductive surgery including HIPEC) to remove the cancer.  The surgery seemed successful and, after a period of recovery, Anita was able to return to her normal, everyday lifestyle.  She returned to her full-time job in May 2014.  Unfortunately, in August 2014, Anita began to run a low-grade fever and became weak and more tired than usual.  She scheduled an appointment with her medical oncologist and a CT scan revealed that the cancer was growing again in her abdomen.  Anita was placed immediately again on aggressive chemotherapy, only to find that her body had built up a resistance to the drug which was effective prior to her surgery.  Anita has been trying other various chemotherapy drugs with her doctors here in Raleigh, but has been unable to get a positive response.  After researching several facilities around the state and the country specializing in rare forms of cancer, Anita and her husband Matt have decided to seek further treatment at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia.  After several meetings with the oncologists and specialists in Philadelphia, a treatment plan which calls for weekly visits to this facility was developed.  Though Anita’s medical insurance has been exceptional, there are and will continue to be expenses that are not covered.  There are other potential treatments that are in discussion which have not been approved by their insurance carrier due to the lack of history and supporting data associated with Anita’s type of cancer.

Please consider a donation to Anita and Matt to help cover these medical expenses as she continues her fight against this rare cancer.  While we are so thankful already for the year and a half fight, the monetary burden is starting to be felt.  Please join Team Wooten as we support this family.  No donation will be too small; anything and everything is so appreciated.  Thank you in advance for your support!