Help Liza fight Cancer at The Mayo Clinic

Well, f#ck. Liza has cancer.

If you're reading this, you're likely a loving member of the family, or a very good friend. The news came to her in October. Obviously, it was a tremendous, heart-wrenching shock.

Liza had not been feeling great. Tiredness. Nausea. Stomach issues. Separately, these aren't much to worry about, but together they rang alarm bells. After Doctor visits, blood draws, and multiple tests, the news came: Pancreatic cancer. Yes, that one.

Whenever the C-word hits home, it's not good news. It's bad. But in Liza's case, we have some hope in our hands. Her cancer is not stage four, it is stage two. And it is resectable. That's a fancy word for Doctors can find it and cut it out.

The goal is for surgery in January or February. The operation, called the Whipple procedure, will be intense and will require a week or more in the hospital. Just weeks ago, Liza started chemotherapy. It's poisoning her, but it's doing its job: killing cancer cells. She's had multiple rounds, with many more to come.

Liza's life has changed. Forever.

But not just hers. Everyone who loves her. Her husband, Scott, the Berlin family, the Harrington family, and the Draper family. And of course, her precious son, Aidan, who was born with a magical smile, bright blue eyes, and Cerebral Palsy.

Aidan needs his Mom.

Liza is currently being treated by the team at Scripps Hospital, but in December she plans to fly to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Pancreatic Cancer center is world-class and will provide her with more opinions, tests, and options for treatment. But the trips, hotel stays and medical expenses pre and post surgery will cost money. We are hoping to raise $15,000. (Note: as of November, Liza is not working so the original goal has been increased. We've also received more information about additional expenses and longer hospital stays).

Cancer doesn't wait. Time is of the essence.

All of us are humbly asking you for two things: your donation, and your social network. Please give what you can, and share her story with your friends, your family, and anyone who may help. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer - and now it's Liza. Please help.

Thank you so much.