My battle to stay alive and take care of my babies

Hello,

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroendocrine Cancer in 2019. After 5 years of treatment, a massive surgery with huge complications, including sepsis, and now most recently, I went through eight months of radiation treatment, hoping to shrink existing tumors in order to grasp for more time. Unfortunately, radiation caused one tumor to double in size and produce a new, bigger than the rest, somewhat aggressive tumor. Some tiny tumors did respond, but they weren’t too problematic in the first place.

There isn’t much more I can do to prevent the growth of these things, and it seems time is speeding up and they are growing faster than usual.

All of this coupled with Justin being off work for the month of November and half of December—we took a huge hit financially. It has taken everything we have to try to get caught up. We recently moved and are attempting to keep up with rent, bills, my medical bills and medication, Justin’s medication and co-pays, as well as our children and their special health needs.

I was never able to reach the goal of my previous fundraiser, and that’s okay! I’m beyond thankful for all the support that poured in over those years, a little at a time, so that we could breathe, even for a moment. I know that I wouldn’t be here today without that support. The prayers no doubt reached my family, as I definitely was not slated to last as long as I have already.

We need assistance with:

Rent

Utilities - are required to keep mine and Justin’s life-saving medical implants working

Medical copays and medication - for January and February

Repairs to our van to ensure we can continue to get everyone to work, school, and medical appointments.

Last but definitely not least,

Funds to go toward a wheelchair for Sydney until they can diagnose her and get her treated properly for the medical issues she’s suffered for two years now. She can’t walk very far without having to rest. She has an MRI scheduled next month of her brain and lumbar spine to check for MS.

This is my last resort, as we have exhausted any and all options. Our social workers at the cancer center informed me that Game on Cancer, a nonprofit used to assist patients with financial difficulties, are out of funds for this quarter and I’m on a waiting list for assistance (hopefully by April or May).

We do not qualify for state assistance, as they won’t count medical bills, copays, or medication. That’s what bleeds us every month.

Unfortunately, we are to the point where I am going to have to face some intense decisions with my care and treatment—for what I can continue, and what I can afford. Turns out staying alive is incredibly expensive.

I am asking only because I must. This is the last fundraiser I will be putting out into the world. As hard as it is to ask for help, it’s harder to watch my family suffer through watching my health decline, and going through a financially crushing time.

Every penny sent will go towards the above-mentioned areas of necessity.

To the friends and family who encouraged me to do this - Thank You. Whatever does kill me, I will not let it be my pride.

We love you all