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Marisa Washburn, a 44-year-old mother of one from California, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and multiple myeloma in October of 2012. With no prior health issues, Marisa's diagnosis was a shattering blow to their family. Marisa is a caring wife, a loving and involved mom, sweet daughter, and amazing friend; someone with a kind heart who is always willing to lend a hand. She and her husband, Nick, have tried to keep things as normal as possible for their daughter Abby.
Marisa has tried everything from radiation, chemotherapy, stem cell harvest, 2 stem cell transplants, blood transfusions and various cancer trials.
Background:
Marisa initially met with her doctor as she had a bump on her head that didn't go away. She spent her birthday, October 31, 2012 getting an MRI and learning that she had a tumor. In the next week, she would learn that she had multiple myeloma throughout her bone marrow. Her initial treatment was radiation for the tumor and chemo for the cancer.
Current Condition:
Last September, Marisa's cancer became more aggressive and a bone marrow biopsy showed 90% cancer cells in her marrow leaving no room to make her own blood, which has required multiple units of blood every week on top of her regular chemo. She started October in the hospital on an intensive chemo regimen (7 chemo drugs, 24hrs day for 5 days) with the hope of either another transplant (#3) or a clinical trial.
Once home from the chemo regimen, she spiked a fever and spent some time in the hospital. Based on her reaction to the chemo regimen it made the transplant an unlikely option. Her best hope was a cancer trial. Marisa was accepted and is taking part in an immunotherapy cancer trial at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance over the next few months. This trial is critical for continued survival as she is out of effective mainstream options to fight her cancer.
In Need of Support:
Asking for help is never easy. The Washburn family is grateful for the support of their friends and family. However, they are alone in the countless unexpected expenses and long-term strain that comes along with a diagnosis of advanced cancer. The most urgent need is the additional cost of housing at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance House over the next 3 months which is an additional $4,100 each month, that isn't covered by any existing insurance or benefit.
Please consider making a generous one-time or ongoing donation if you are able. Every bit helps. Contributions of any size are welcome. Additionally, sharing this page can help the Washburn family during this difficult time. Prayers and positive thoughts are always appreciated and welcome. Thank you for your generosity and support at this time.
Marisa has tried everything from radiation, chemotherapy, stem cell harvest, 2 stem cell transplants, blood transfusions and various cancer trials.
Background:
Marisa initially met with her doctor as she had a bump on her head that didn't go away. She spent her birthday, October 31, 2012 getting an MRI and learning that she had a tumor. In the next week, she would learn that she had multiple myeloma throughout her bone marrow. Her initial treatment was radiation for the tumor and chemo for the cancer.
Current Condition:
Last September, Marisa's cancer became more aggressive and a bone marrow biopsy showed 90% cancer cells in her marrow leaving no room to make her own blood, which has required multiple units of blood every week on top of her regular chemo. She started October in the hospital on an intensive chemo regimen (7 chemo drugs, 24hrs day for 5 days) with the hope of either another transplant (#3) or a clinical trial.
Once home from the chemo regimen, she spiked a fever and spent some time in the hospital. Based on her reaction to the chemo regimen it made the transplant an unlikely option. Her best hope was a cancer trial. Marisa was accepted and is taking part in an immunotherapy cancer trial at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance over the next few months. This trial is critical for continued survival as she is out of effective mainstream options to fight her cancer.
In Need of Support:
Asking for help is never easy. The Washburn family is grateful for the support of their friends and family. However, they are alone in the countless unexpected expenses and long-term strain that comes along with a diagnosis of advanced cancer. The most urgent need is the additional cost of housing at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance House over the next 3 months which is an additional $4,100 each month, that isn't covered by any existing insurance or benefit.
Please consider making a generous one-time or ongoing donation if you are able. Every bit helps. Contributions of any size are welcome. Additionally, sharing this page can help the Washburn family during this difficult time. Prayers and positive thoughts are always appreciated and welcome. Thank you for your generosity and support at this time.
Co-organizers5
Marisa Washburn
Beneficiary