Mindy's Cancer Story
“Mrs. Morris, we received the test results and the tumor did not test positive for cancer.” About 15 years ago, those were the unfortunate words of a misdiagnosis that our friend Mindy Morris received over the phone. Three-and-a-half years later when doctors removed that very tumor (then the size of a large lemon), Mindy learned that the tumor was, indeed, cancerous.
Though Mindy has insurance, we know that she needs financial assistance to help with co-pays, drugs, travel expenses, and medical tests not fully covered. In her relentless efforts to fight cancer, medical bills have become a financial burden for her and her husband. After all the inspiration, love, and kindness that she has given us, we know that this campaign can be a small token of our appreciation to thank her for all that she has done, is doing, and will continue to do—a gift for Mindy for all of the gifts she’s given us.
Mindy has battled metastatic thyroid cancer through 5 surgeries, 6 rounds of radiation, and innumerable biopsies, scans, and procedures. Over the years, she has become increasingly allergic to pain killers; today, she is allergic to every painkiller available except Tylenol. Nearly four years ago, she was fortunate to land the very first spot in a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, which successfully kept the cancer at bay for 45 months. This was not, however, without notable side effects, including the need to restrict her diet to nutrient-poor foods like white bread, rice, and noodles—even the tiniest sip of fruit juice could force her to spend the day inside.
After traveling from Phoenix to Houston 40+ times for visits with her incredible team of doctors—which have required significant time, energy, and money—Mindy recently received word that the cancer was starting to fight back against the trial drug. This was not unexpected, as cancers have an insidious way of adapting to treatment; it is, nonetheless, upsetting. The thyroid cancer has now spread to Mindy’s neck, chest, lungs, spine, hips, tailbone, and ribs.
Those of us who have known or met her through this time have been stunned by her unflappable optimism and her remarkable ability to channel all of her pain into beauty. And, somehow, she also finds the energy to be an ambassador supporting those she meets on her journeys in their own trials. Instead of asking for help, Mindy gives help, yet another testament to her spirit.
While she creates beauty in numerous ways, many of us experience it through her monthly e-mail updates, which she spends hours artfully crafting into inspirational stories of her fight. Often, she leaves us in tears, overwhelmed by her faith, hope, and love. Some of us even wait to read her updates until we are alone. With urging from many of us, Mindy has finally decided to post her updates on a blog to share her story with others. To start off the blog, Mindy has uploaded 6 updates from over the years. You can read her updates here:
www.mindyscancerstory.wordpress.com
Please help us get the word out—we invite you to share this story (and Mindy’s blog) with anyone who you think needs a little inspiration. Thank you for your time and for being willing to help Mindy in her on-going fight!
Though Mindy has insurance, we know that she needs financial assistance to help with co-pays, drugs, travel expenses, and medical tests not fully covered. In her relentless efforts to fight cancer, medical bills have become a financial burden for her and her husband. After all the inspiration, love, and kindness that she has given us, we know that this campaign can be a small token of our appreciation to thank her for all that she has done, is doing, and will continue to do—a gift for Mindy for all of the gifts she’s given us.
Mindy has battled metastatic thyroid cancer through 5 surgeries, 6 rounds of radiation, and innumerable biopsies, scans, and procedures. Over the years, she has become increasingly allergic to pain killers; today, she is allergic to every painkiller available except Tylenol. Nearly four years ago, she was fortunate to land the very first spot in a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, which successfully kept the cancer at bay for 45 months. This was not, however, without notable side effects, including the need to restrict her diet to nutrient-poor foods like white bread, rice, and noodles—even the tiniest sip of fruit juice could force her to spend the day inside.
After traveling from Phoenix to Houston 40+ times for visits with her incredible team of doctors—which have required significant time, energy, and money—Mindy recently received word that the cancer was starting to fight back against the trial drug. This was not unexpected, as cancers have an insidious way of adapting to treatment; it is, nonetheless, upsetting. The thyroid cancer has now spread to Mindy’s neck, chest, lungs, spine, hips, tailbone, and ribs.
Those of us who have known or met her through this time have been stunned by her unflappable optimism and her remarkable ability to channel all of her pain into beauty. And, somehow, she also finds the energy to be an ambassador supporting those she meets on her journeys in their own trials. Instead of asking for help, Mindy gives help, yet another testament to her spirit.
While she creates beauty in numerous ways, many of us experience it through her monthly e-mail updates, which she spends hours artfully crafting into inspirational stories of her fight. Often, she leaves us in tears, overwhelmed by her faith, hope, and love. Some of us even wait to read her updates until we are alone. With urging from many of us, Mindy has finally decided to post her updates on a blog to share her story with others. To start off the blog, Mindy has uploaded 6 updates from over the years. You can read her updates here:
www.mindyscancerstory.wordpress.com
Please help us get the word out—we invite you to share this story (and Mindy’s blog) with anyone who you think needs a little inspiration. Thank you for your time and for being willing to help Mindy in her on-going fight!
Organizer
Mary Ann Dillon
Organizer
Tempe, AZ