Hello, My name is Sunshine, and I am trying to raise money for my best friend, Tarneka. Life with multiple chronic illnesses is so difficult, and it is made that much more difficult when you just don’t have the money to pay for your care. In addition to dealing with bowel blockages, multiple hospitalizations and a new diagnosis of twisted bowel syndrome, Tarneka has just found out that the cancer has returned. She currently has Stage 1 Gastric cancer, and must undergo another surgery next month to remove the tumor and a portion of her stomach. She will also need to have chemotherapy. The doctors are optimistic, but her difficult road is far from over, as she continues to face mounting health problems and financial needs.

With all of these surgeries and complications, come more and more expenses that Tarneka cannot afford on her own. There are medications that are not covered by insurance, as well as colostomy supplies that she has to buy herself. The new medicine that has helped to decrease the bowel blockages, and has kept Tarneka out of the hospital for almost a month, costs nearly $400 a month. And that is not covered by her insurance! On her already very limited budget, that is a huge, yet very necessary, expense. I have always been in awe of how Tarneka is able to do so much with so little. She is amazing at budgeting, but when you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money.

Tarneka doesn’t want to ask for help, but she needs to ask for help. I’ve picked her up and brought her home from the hospital two times this year. I’ve stayed at her apartment while she showered and changed her bag. I’ve seen the scars that line her abdomen from all the different surgeries, the scars that line her arms from the countless IVs they struggle to maintain while she’s in the hospital. I’ve watched her meticulously lay out all of the supplies to clean, change, and care for her colostomy. I’m in awe of her strength in the midst of her weaknesses and illnesses. I’m in awe of her faith and her heart. I do as much as I can to help support and care for, as do her close friends and family. But we cannot do this alone. We need financial support to help Tarneka in this fight for her life. Thank you for your help. Much love, Sunshine