Patty Mayer's Darth Vader

Patty is a dear friend to many, who came to help out at the front desk a few days a week at FocusOm yoga studio in Brookfield, IL.  She has become an important part of our yoga family, offering friendly smiles and greetings to students and teachers alike.  As the saying goes, one never knows what others are going through.  If you are able, please consider a donation; and most of all a big smile and hug when you see her.  Here is Patty's story in her own words.

"My friends...I have something to share with you. They say sharing a burden lightens the load and I'm hoping that's true.

Last June, the day after my 60th birthday, I went to the doctor to have a rogue mole checked out. The following day I went back, had it removed and biopsied. Melanoma. The Darth Vader of skin cancers. It is sneaky and insidious and likes to hide in the brain. That's what I get for growing up on beaches I guess. At any rate, it was removed, the edges were clear and no cells found in the surrounding tissues.

Fast forward to February. It has returned and is in my lymph nodes for sure...possibly elsewhere...scans will tell. Since I have no insurance, I was referred to Stroger Hospital. I spent all afternoon there being examined, having blood drawn, getting set up for scans, getting set up for a surgical consult, biopsies, etc. They don't think it has spread too far but won't know for sure till the scans are completed. Best case scenario: immunological infusions may put it into remission. Not so good scenario: it is widespread and immunological infusions will buy time....maybe up to 3 years.

So...this is where I stand right now. Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. Please keep me in your prayers if you are so inclined."

This diagnosis has a crazy number of expenses that we would like to help Patty with. Thanks for your support.