My big Sis’s medical expenses

Hello everyone, my sister Marika was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She went in for all the tests and elected to get the BRCA genetic test done. Shortly after, she had a lumpectomy where they removed 3 lumps and some tissue. Besides encountering some reactions to the meds they gave her, she recovered well and was starting to get back to her everyday life with her husband Brandon and 2 sons Ben 10 and Noah 8. A few weeks pass and she gets the BRCA test results back and they’re positive!

With her situation a positive BRCA test means she has to have a double mastectomy and have her ovaries removed in the very near future. She lives in Yuma but has to travel and stay in Phoenix for appointments and her surgery/surgeries. Their family survives solely on Brandon’s income but he will have to take time off to drive her, stay with her and be by her side. She has her three sisters to help, me, Sandy and Jecka but me and jecka are in San Diego and Sandy is in Nevada and all have families that depend on us too. Our mom unexpectedly died in November and we’re all still grieving the loss. Marika is in Yuma with no family or close friends close by to help. We are all pitching in to help with appointments, driving, post op care but mainly to take care of her young kids. Life can’t stop for the boys. They’re both in sports, go to school, and have basic needs like all children do. A nanny or caregiver will have to be hired for times they’re both out of town for medical care. This is going to be very difficult on the family not only to be a part but the financial strain is daunting to think about and the thought of “how are we going to make it” is a constant in their minds.

If you know Marika you know her heart. She would and probably has given you the shirt off her back. Anyone who knows her has heard “OMG! I have the perfect thing for you!! Here you can have it! Take it!! That is how she lives her life. It’s our turn to help her. She’s not just my big sister but a big sister to anyone who has ever crossed her path. She becomes your best friend the first day you meet her whether you like it or not.

She’s an encourager “Yes you can! Why wouldn’t you be able to do it!” Is another thing I’ve heard her say many times in my life. She loves her family and all she considers family. So if you have anything at all that you can donate please do. Thank you so so much. Love, Marika, the Hime’s, the sisters, and dad