- V
- M
I think it might be easiest to start the story with Mandy's own words:
On January 26, 2020, Mandy wrote: I think it’s time to share with our loving friends what we have been going through. This past year, my body has been presenting lots of soreness and odd aches. After enduring much pain and even repairing a torn rotator cuff, the pain was not getting better and continued to get worse.
We went to the emergency room on December 20 because I could not handle pain any longer. I was diagnosed with bone cancer. It was a devastating prognosis because bone cancer as a primary cancer has a very small survival rate.
We immediately began working with an oncologist and all the tests, blood work, scans, and MRIs showed that the cancer may have started in the kidneys or liver. This was great as treatment success rate for this was better than bone cancer. Next came the biopsy and PET scan. These showed that the cancer is in many lymph nodes - so many that my doctor told me to stop taking notes as she was telling them all to us. Some how, even though the cancer is wide spread throughout my body, this final diagnosis of lymphoma, as of now, has the best outcome- IT IS CURABLE. My bones and muscles ache but we are figuring out the pain relieving plan that works most of the time.
We have begun treatment as part is a ton of pills that insurance has approved. On Monday, the port for delivering the chemotherapy will be placed and we will begin those treatments this week. For the next 18 weeks we will be fighting cancer and winning! At this time we would appreciate extra love, light, and prayers from our amazing friends and family!
Fast Forward over a month later, and over some tremendous hills and through some treacherous valleys, Mandy is still at St. Francis fighting like the warrior we all know she is.
Emily has been an information champion with daily Mandy updates- watch for those each night!
Emily has been there through all of the procedures and doctors and nurses and moves from one part of St. Francis to another. As a result, Emily has not been home. She hasn't been at work. She hasn't been able to be there for their three pups. She's fighting, right there with Mandy. Our financial support lessens the burden of Emily's time from work and medical bills.
And that, right there, is where we can help.
EVERYONE wants to do something; many of us are teachers- problem solvers!! So, what can you do to help?
Prayers. Of all types at all times- prayers of strength and healing. Of hope and comfort.
Spread kindness everywhere, in true Mandy style!
Do science experiments with your kids!
And watch here for updates for things that are needed in the coming days.
On January 26, 2020, Mandy wrote: I think it’s time to share with our loving friends what we have been going through. This past year, my body has been presenting lots of soreness and odd aches. After enduring much pain and even repairing a torn rotator cuff, the pain was not getting better and continued to get worse.
We went to the emergency room on December 20 because I could not handle pain any longer. I was diagnosed with bone cancer. It was a devastating prognosis because bone cancer as a primary cancer has a very small survival rate.
We immediately began working with an oncologist and all the tests, blood work, scans, and MRIs showed that the cancer may have started in the kidneys or liver. This was great as treatment success rate for this was better than bone cancer. Next came the biopsy and PET scan. These showed that the cancer is in many lymph nodes - so many that my doctor told me to stop taking notes as she was telling them all to us. Some how, even though the cancer is wide spread throughout my body, this final diagnosis of lymphoma, as of now, has the best outcome- IT IS CURABLE. My bones and muscles ache but we are figuring out the pain relieving plan that works most of the time.
We have begun treatment as part is a ton of pills that insurance has approved. On Monday, the port for delivering the chemotherapy will be placed and we will begin those treatments this week. For the next 18 weeks we will be fighting cancer and winning! At this time we would appreciate extra love, light, and prayers from our amazing friends and family!
Fast Forward over a month later, and over some tremendous hills and through some treacherous valleys, Mandy is still at St. Francis fighting like the warrior we all know she is.
Emily has been an information champion with daily Mandy updates- watch for those each night!
Emily has been there through all of the procedures and doctors and nurses and moves from one part of St. Francis to another. As a result, Emily has not been home. She hasn't been at work. She hasn't been able to be there for their three pups. She's fighting, right there with Mandy. Our financial support lessens the burden of Emily's time from work and medical bills.
And that, right there, is where we can help.
EVERYONE wants to do something; many of us are teachers- problem solvers!! So, what can you do to help?
Prayers. Of all types at all times- prayers of strength and healing. Of hope and comfort.
Spread kindness everywhere, in true Mandy style!
Do science experiments with your kids!
And watch here for updates for things that are needed in the coming days.
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Starkey
Beneficiary