Mother of 4 Battling Breast Cancer
Donation protected
After a lot of self reflection, I've decided to sallow my pride and ask for help.
I am a single mother of four girls. My oldest passed away when she was 8 years old (she should be 19 now) from a brain tumor. My youngest daughter has Down syndrome.
In 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy which left positive margins followed by a mastectomy which still left positive margins. In April of this year I noticed a lump on the other side. In May I found out I had breast cancer again. This time I would need a mastectomy on the other side and a chest wall resection on the side from 2012. I've traveled 3 hours each way to UF Health's Cancer Center to assure the best possible outcome, (I did not have a good experience being treated locally in 2012). At UF Health they did genetic testing which revealed I have a mutation in a gene that basically corrects and controls cells. This mutation will increase my chances of developing all kinds of cancer.
This is the most devastating part, I could have passed this gene onto my children. My oldest daughter who passed away from a brain tumor most likely had the gene. I feel a great amount of guilt daily about this. Two of my daughters came back negative for the gene. Although my youngest, my little angel with downs tested positive. This is a rare genetic mutation, many doctors have never heard of it much less treated it. We are currently trying to establish long term care somewhere closer than UF Health in Gainesville.
Here's where I'm asking for your help.... Due to the unexpected medical expenses, gas, tolls, hotel rooms, food, and wear and tear on my van (I just received an estimate from Honda for over $5000 in repairs) I am financially strapped.
Normally I have a garage sale every year to raise money to purchase toys for the children in the hospital during the holidays in memory of my daughter. I would still love to do this BUT I need to raise money to cover my financial obligations and prepare for on going treatment. I feel very guilty asking for help again. Many wonderful people helped us tremendously when my oldest daughter was fighting cancer years ago. I honestly hate to ask for help again but after swallowing my pride, I know I can't do this alone.
I am a single mother of four girls. My oldest passed away when she was 8 years old (she should be 19 now) from a brain tumor. My youngest daughter has Down syndrome.
In 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy which left positive margins followed by a mastectomy which still left positive margins. In April of this year I noticed a lump on the other side. In May I found out I had breast cancer again. This time I would need a mastectomy on the other side and a chest wall resection on the side from 2012. I've traveled 3 hours each way to UF Health's Cancer Center to assure the best possible outcome, (I did not have a good experience being treated locally in 2012). At UF Health they did genetic testing which revealed I have a mutation in a gene that basically corrects and controls cells. This mutation will increase my chances of developing all kinds of cancer.
This is the most devastating part, I could have passed this gene onto my children. My oldest daughter who passed away from a brain tumor most likely had the gene. I feel a great amount of guilt daily about this. Two of my daughters came back negative for the gene. Although my youngest, my little angel with downs tested positive. This is a rare genetic mutation, many doctors have never heard of it much less treated it. We are currently trying to establish long term care somewhere closer than UF Health in Gainesville.
Here's where I'm asking for your help.... Due to the unexpected medical expenses, gas, tolls, hotel rooms, food, and wear and tear on my van (I just received an estimate from Honda for over $5000 in repairs) I am financially strapped.
Normally I have a garage sale every year to raise money to purchase toys for the children in the hospital during the holidays in memory of my daughter. I would still love to do this BUT I need to raise money to cover my financial obligations and prepare for on going treatment. I feel very guilty asking for help again. Many wonderful people helped us tremendously when my oldest daughter was fighting cancer years ago. I honestly hate to ask for help again but after swallowing my pride, I know I can't do this alone.
Organizer
Christine Martin
Organizer
Melbourne, FL
