Three years ago I received notice that I had been inducted into a club that NOBODY wants to join.  I was diagnosed with Stage IV Cancer!  One year ago, January I was given the best news I had ever received, I am Cancer Free.!

To my surprise, with the help of God I beat Cancer,  but  the  5 biopsies it took to find the cancer, several debridement surgeries, wound vac's, chemotherapy and radiation, the side effects remained and I was left disabled with  my quality of life diminished.  Yes, I won the battle, I beat cancer but the battle scars I am now a Wounded Warrior. With Lymphedema, my right leg, thigh, abdomen and foot are at least 4xs larger than my left side.  I am now no longer to walk without the use of a cane or walker.  Along with limited mobility ,Secondary Lymphedema has caused Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue and it has taken away my independence because my right leg is the effected leg  also my driver's leg, I am now no longer able to drive.  
Too many lymph nodes were removed, my lymphatic system was further damaged by radiation and now the lymphatic fluid drains down my leg and pools from the foot up and to my abdomen.  

I thought that beating Cancer 2x's would be the hard part, I had no idea that the true battle would begin once the cancer treatments were complete.  Honestly, comparatively speaking, Cancer was a breeze compared to Lymphedema which I once believed was a disease that would be with me forever.  
 
I am not yet 50 and I am basically a shut in.  I have 2 kids (7&8) that my husband and I adopted so that they would have a better life than the Foster Care System offers, now they have a Mom that can't be there for them like they deserve. My husband works damn hard for his family and my ability to be his helpmate is dramatically reduced. God performed a miracle, HE healed me of cancer (stage IV) and I am so Blessed to be alive. But because of this horrible disease my quality of life has been reduce to just barely existing.

Every doctor I have seen regarding Lymphedema has gave me a 0 sense of hope; the lymphedema, the pain and fatigue is chronic and the only changes I would have to look forward to worsening of my condition.  I was at a point of accepting my current situation as my New Normal, mourning the once active Gayle, resigned to the fact this disease and limitations will be with me forever.  I am not 50 years old but it seemed for the rest of my life I would be tied to the cane, walker or mobility scooter. 

That was until I joined a Face Book Lymphedema Group and my prayers have been answered by the way of Dr. Shim an amazing surgeon performing groundbreaking life altering Liposuction Stem Cell Transplant Surgery. This particular surgery consists of a Stem Cell Transplant which will repair my damaged lymphatic system, drain the excess lymphatic fluid and eventually cure me of Lymphedema!

Since Stem Cell Surgery is not FDA approved in the US for Lymphedema I have to travel to Seoul Korea and will be hospitalized there for 3 weeks. The Doctor, this surgery and GOD Ordained opportunity will give me back what cancer stole.

The cost of the surgery,the 3 week hospital stay and  round trip airline ticket from Chicago - Seoul Korea , is the reason I'm setting up this campaign to assist me with the cost of the surgery and transportation.  

My hope/goal is to have the surgery the 2nd week in July so that I will be home recovering before my children start school on August 16 and your donation and prayers will make this all possible.  

Thank you in advance for your support and God Bless You.