Michele Getzelman's valiant breast cancer fight!

Michele Getzelman, my dear sister, friend, silliness partner, goofball champion and quick-witted genius, has been battling breast cancer for 3+ years. She is one of the funniest, smartest, most insightful and toughest people I know. Her spirit is huge.

This message and campaign weren't her idea, but because I love her so deeply and believe in her so completely, I was compelled to initiate this despite her reticence.

Mich has fought bravely every step of the way with us, her family, in her corner. There have already been myriad physical challenges including crushing pain, unremitting sleeplessness, mind-boggling muscle weakness, hair loss and skin scarring, not to mention being immunocompromised and the emotional fall-out and social isolation brought about by the disease itself - but also the reality that all of this has taken place during the COVID pandemic has been even more challenging!

We were so grateful when the COVID vaccines were developed and we could spend time in person (outside, of course) worrying less about the risk of an infection sending her to the hospital. Last year we enjoyed a brief period when the cancer progression was temporarily halted, so we had a few, much-needed in-person visits with her in relative safety and comfort.

Sadly, we recently learned the cancer has spread, so her battle continues and she needs our buttressing now more than ever.

It helps tremendously to know we are not facing these types of challenges alone, so your words of support are super important beyond any monetary commitment. Warm wishes, laughs and virtual hugs are mostly what buoy Michele these days.

However, the tremendous illness burden that is the unfortunate reality of having to fight the scourge of metastatic cancer prevents her from working - so every little bit of financial assistance will be greatly appreciated (and not expected!) to keep insurance in force, get transportation to the many appointments at UCLA Med Center, make copayments, purchase medical supplies and even put food on the table. We recognize that resources are tight for many people right now so please know that we will feel better about any monetary help you offer only if you do so without hardship.

My sincere wish for Michele is to: feel all the love that's directed toward her by those who have known her, hear from you how much you care, be reminded of memories you share, know how much she has contributed to the many she has touched in her life.

Thank you for your kindness, thoughts, love, appreciation and generosity!

Warmly,

"Jules" aka Michele's sis