Life-Saving Surgery for Anne
Our warm, glowing friend, Anne Stapleton Drago Lanza, has been diagnosed with an extremely rare complication with her pancreas.
At the beginning of the year, Anne began to feel unwell and have cramps and pains. After some time, the pains became more severe and Anne and her family began the journey of testing and waiting and testing and waiting - visiting many places to try and narrow down the source of the issue and get a diagnosis.
It was finally decided that the pancreas was the issue, but the specialized test to find out the next course of action was not scheduled until June 30th. Every day, Anne was feeling worse, and she didn't know where to turn. She consulted with me and another close family friend - both of whom have had wonderful medical and surgical experiences in Merida, Mexico. After weighing her options, and declining each day, she decided to make the trip with a family member to see a specialized doctor.
Anne arrived on Wednesday evening, and by Thursday afternoon her new doctor - whom she refers to as her Private Investigator - had used her medical records, teamwork, experience, and a keen bedside manner to explain that 2/3 of her pancreas was atrophied and will have to be removed.
This is extremely serious surgery. We need all your good vibes. Your prayers. Any healing light you can spare. <3
But also because it's so big - that means it's also very expensive and will require a long recovery here in Merida. Anne will need to stay in Mexico for over 6 weeks and will require in-home postoperative care and a family member to return to Merida to assist in her travel home at the end of the recovery. And as everyone knows - these costs add up quickly.
It was the idea of her friends and family to start this fundraiser and hopefully alleviate one of the infinite stresses around this situation. I know there are so many loving souls that Anne has touched over the years, and I hope some of you have the means to help our dear friend in this difficult journey.
With much love, and for the woman I call the Ambassador of Love, we thank you deeply.
