Penny McKendry – McKendry Family Emergency Fund

Dear Friends and Family,

On behalf of many of Penny’s friends, this GoFundMe page was created to help our "Sweet Pretty Penny" and her family.

Everyone’s worst fear is a diagnosis of cancer. Fear quickly becomes a nightmare when you learn it has spread to your brain and your insurance will not cover the surgeries and treatments.

Penny’s recent medical news changed her and her family’s world. It started on February 1, 2022, with a stage 3-4 diagnosis of melanoma. She underwent a fairly invasive surgery and was blessed to undergo some of the most up-to-date treatments. She was doing great and was having the best possible results. Her doctors were actively planning to stop treatment a tad bit early. Sean and Penny were able to pay for her first surgery and treatments on their own as they were both sole proprietors and continued to work extremely hard.

Then, she felt her body not feeling “normal”. It began with signs of carpal tunnel, which turned into spasms and seizures – one lasting three hours, loss of her right arm, and loss of some of her speech and vision. Her oncologist immediately knew what was happening and sent her to the emergency room. A CT scan discovered that the melanoma metastasized as two brain tumors in her left frontal lobe, one on her brain stem. The largest tumor is 2.9 centimeters and is operable as long as it stays under 3.0. Due to the rapid growth of these tumors, surgery is urgent. She can schedule the surgery at her surgeon’s earliest availability with enough financial support. After her surgery, her recovery will include a high-resolution radiation program and physical therapy.

This latest diagnosis is estimated to cost them $100,000. They have lost a significant amount of their income as Penny can no longer work much, and Sean is taking time to care for her. With three children in college and ongoing medical bills, they need your help and support.

Any contribution will help this family as they face the challenges ahead.