This has been a terrible year for everyone so I hate to burden anyone with a request for help but without it the future is not very bright for me!

Covid hit and in March I lost my job.
Unemployment got me through July when my federal unemployment ran out. On top of all this, I began having some health issues and after months of delays in getting appointments and treatments, I had a colposcopy (cervical biopsy) that returned squamous cells cancer.

A trip to the specialist in Charlotte last week reconfirmed the cancer and, after more testing, it has been determined that I must, at minimum, have my cervix removed. According to my latest PET scan and MRI,  I show no spread  to the rest of my body, but that is not a  guarantee that the cancer has not spread as PET scans and MRIs can only detect certain sized tumors. The incidence of cervical cancer in someone my age (23) is very rare, but the  prognosis is at least somewhat hopeful in that there is only a 15% chance of recurrence; and only a 5% mortality rate, so don’t order flowers yet.

Until the surgery, we will not know whether the cancer has spread beyond my cervix, or not. The consent form I signed allows for the doctor to make a determination, during surgery, that if the cancer has spread, I could wake up and find that I have had a total hysterectomy.
 
Beyond any monetary contribution you feel comfortable making, I ask also for your prayers that the cancer has not metastasized beyond my cervix, as it is my hope that one day, I will be able to have the opportunity to become pregnant.  

My medical bills are already piling up and the costs of pre-surgery tests, future hospitalization, surgery/post-surgical care, follow-up and medication is probably going to be pretty staggering; especially for someone my age and  without income, or insurance.

Until insurance is secured, I cannot have the surgery and time is of the essence to prevent this aggressive cancer from spreading.

Because I am not imminently dying, am not pregnant, and do not have young children, I don't qualify for any state-funded medical care; this leaves the costly option of private insurance, which is the reason I am appealing now to all of you, my beloved family and friends. I am currently working with an insurance broker to find the most reasonable health policy that will cover all my medical needs.

Additionally, I totaled my car a month before discovering this news. My appointments are at  UNC Hospital at Chapel Hill, which is a nearly 3- hr drive… so a car is also part of my wish list, but something I will only get if donations exceed my medical expenses.

Your loving light, prayers and monetary support are greatly appreciated.