I am doing this campaign for my brave, fabulous, dear friend Laura who has a hard time asking for help (as most of us do). Laura is a strong, vivacious, resilient, funny, beautiful woman who laughs from the deepest regions of her soul, loves her son with all of her heart and gives as though she wants for nothing. A year and a half ago, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer after suffering through various lengthy and frustrating medical processes. From the minute she was diagnosed, Laura has fought this battle with dignity, incredible strength and her usual stellar sense of humor. The woman even faced her first rounds of chemo dressed as a clown, a bumble-bee and a bunny rabbit!!! She never ceases to amaze and inspire me, and her attitude towards cancer has been no different. I truly don't know how she does it, but she has put forward a brave face and a smile throughout her journey - regardless of being in constant pain.
As many will do, Laura decided early on that she was going to fight in whatever way she could - trying everything from traditional western medicine to juicing / raw foods, natural supplements, healers, and medical marijuana. What WOULDN'T you do? I asked myself this very question.
After a period of remission, Laura recently found out that the cancer has returned and is in her lymph nodes. The proposed plan involves taking an uninsured drug (PARP Inhibitor) that will cost $7500.00/month. With the pain, frustration, suffering and costs she has already endured over the last year and a half, this news is a devastating set-back.
All of this has made me realize that the reality of the situation is that cancer is incredibly expensive....regardless of what is covered by a health-care plan/insurance, and more and more people are being diagnosed everyday.
The whole situation begs the question, "what would you be willing to pay to sustain your own life?!" How do we even put a value on that?! Why should anyone have to?! It isn't fair. It isn't right. It isn't any way to live.
I have started this campaign in an attempt to advocate for and support my friend Laura's continued fight...because she is not ready to give-up on herself and I am never going to be ready to give-up on her.
I don't know if this campaign will reach its goal, or even come close...all I know is I have to do something....I have to try. Laura's goal is to stay alive until her son Tyler completes university in August 2017 (10 months from now). Please help and/or share with friends, family, colleagues and potential corporate sponsors. Some have been asking "what can I do to help?"...here is a place to start. Every little bit counts. Thank-you.