Kirsten's GoFundMe Page
Donation protected
Welcome to Kirsten's GoFundMe page!
In July of this year Kirsten was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which has spread to her lungs. While this news saddens us, we remain encouraged by the fact that she feels very positive about being able to heal from this, has maintained her sense of humor and gratitude, and has all of us to support her on her path to recovery.
We couldn’t ask for a kinder, funnier, more beautiful sister and friend than Kirsten. Kirsten has always wanted to help make the world a better place, and has worked for progressive non-profit organizations for more than 20 years. She recently completed her master’s degree in social work with the dream of helping people more directly.
Many of you have been asking how you can help – and that is why we have created this fundraiser. As you may have guessed, cancer treatment, even with health insurance, is extremely costly. Kirsten has been able to cover many expenses herself, but the savings have run out. She is lucky to have the support of family, but worries about putting too great a financial strain on them. Our goal is to help take some of the financial stress off Kirsten and her family’s shoulders, and help her seek the further care she needs.
If you can contribute, we thank you. If that’s not possible, we thank you for reading this and keeping Kirsten close to your heart and in your prayers. Please feel free to share with anyone you are connected to who knows Kirsten, or that you think might be receptive.
What the money will cover:
Help Covering Conventional Treatment. Kirsten is self-employed and pays for individual health insurance. Her annual deductibles & out-of-pocket maximums are very high - and these will all restart again on January 1st. She would also like to seek a second medical opinion at a larger out-of-state cancer center (which are associated with better outcomes).
Help Covering Alternative Therapies. Western medicine typically gives folks with stage 4 colorectal cancer 2-5 years – with permanent chemotherapy treatment. Kirsten does not want to spend the rest of her life on chemotherapy. She has been researching stage 4 survival stories, and one thing they all have in common is the use of alternative/holistic therapies. Kirsten is in the process of researching natural clinics to help her rebuild and balance her immune system after chemotherapy, and become cancer-free going forward. Of course, these treatments can be costly and none are covered by health insurance.
Temporary help with living expenses. Like so many, Kirsten’s employment has been impacted greatly by the pandemic. She had hoped to transition to more direct social work this summer, but between the pandemic and treatment, that dream has been put on hold for now. She looks forward to getting back to work as soon as she is able!
Again – thank you. Let’s help Kirsten keep her mind and body full of vitality and her spirits high. Remind her how much she means to us!
With gratitude and love,
Team Kirsten (Kyle, Amy, Lara & Sara)
P.S. – Kirsten had some sentiments that she wanted us to pass on – please see below.
1. PLEASE get a colonoscopy when it’s time and make sure your loved ones do too! The new recommended age for screening is 45. Colorectal cancer is very preventable when caught early.
2. If you are a friend and this is the first you’ve heard of her diagnosis – please know that she would have much rather reached out to you directly. It has been difficult for her to keep up with so much increased communication – please know she loves you!
3. If you don’t have the means to give – please do not feel obligated! Kirsten is worried that this is a very hard time for many folks and does not want anyone to give money they will miss. Your prayers are truly so important to her, and totally free.
4. Medicare for all!
In July of this year Kirsten was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which has spread to her lungs. While this news saddens us, we remain encouraged by the fact that she feels very positive about being able to heal from this, has maintained her sense of humor and gratitude, and has all of us to support her on her path to recovery.
We couldn’t ask for a kinder, funnier, more beautiful sister and friend than Kirsten. Kirsten has always wanted to help make the world a better place, and has worked for progressive non-profit organizations for more than 20 years. She recently completed her master’s degree in social work with the dream of helping people more directly.
Many of you have been asking how you can help – and that is why we have created this fundraiser. As you may have guessed, cancer treatment, even with health insurance, is extremely costly. Kirsten has been able to cover many expenses herself, but the savings have run out. She is lucky to have the support of family, but worries about putting too great a financial strain on them. Our goal is to help take some of the financial stress off Kirsten and her family’s shoulders, and help her seek the further care she needs.
If you can contribute, we thank you. If that’s not possible, we thank you for reading this and keeping Kirsten close to your heart and in your prayers. Please feel free to share with anyone you are connected to who knows Kirsten, or that you think might be receptive.
What the money will cover:
Help Covering Conventional Treatment. Kirsten is self-employed and pays for individual health insurance. Her annual deductibles & out-of-pocket maximums are very high - and these will all restart again on January 1st. She would also like to seek a second medical opinion at a larger out-of-state cancer center (which are associated with better outcomes).
Help Covering Alternative Therapies. Western medicine typically gives folks with stage 4 colorectal cancer 2-5 years – with permanent chemotherapy treatment. Kirsten does not want to spend the rest of her life on chemotherapy. She has been researching stage 4 survival stories, and one thing they all have in common is the use of alternative/holistic therapies. Kirsten is in the process of researching natural clinics to help her rebuild and balance her immune system after chemotherapy, and become cancer-free going forward. Of course, these treatments can be costly and none are covered by health insurance.
Temporary help with living expenses. Like so many, Kirsten’s employment has been impacted greatly by the pandemic. She had hoped to transition to more direct social work this summer, but between the pandemic and treatment, that dream has been put on hold for now. She looks forward to getting back to work as soon as she is able!
Again – thank you. Let’s help Kirsten keep her mind and body full of vitality and her spirits high. Remind her how much she means to us!
With gratitude and love,
Team Kirsten (Kyle, Amy, Lara & Sara)
P.S. – Kirsten had some sentiments that she wanted us to pass on – please see below.
1. PLEASE get a colonoscopy when it’s time and make sure your loved ones do too! The new recommended age for screening is 45. Colorectal cancer is very preventable when caught early.
2. If you are a friend and this is the first you’ve heard of her diagnosis – please know that she would have much rather reached out to you directly. It has been difficult for her to keep up with so much increased communication – please know she loves you!
3. If you don’t have the means to give – please do not feel obligated! Kirsten is worried that this is a very hard time for many folks and does not want anyone to give money they will miss. Your prayers are truly so important to her, and totally free.
4. Medicare for all!
Fundraising team (4)
Kyle Bert
Organizer
Raised $7,685 from 50 donations
Tucson, AZ
Kirsten Bert
Beneficiary
Sara Holtzschue
Team member
Raised $5,925 from 21 donations
Amy Bryant
Team member
Raised $4,575 from 17 donations
Lara Hill
Team member
Raised $2,020 from 6 donations
This team raised $17,904 from 126 other donations.
