
Please help Cara win against cancer
Donation protected
My name is Emily, and I’m helping my beloved sister Cara raise funds for a life-saving procedure in her fight against Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Last July, Cara was diagnosed with stage ll Hodgkins lymphoma. After five months of chemo and ringing that bell, tests concluded that the chemo fell short and new cancer cells were detected. She now has what's called 'refractory' Hodgkins and is looking at more months of treatment. To help combat this aggressive cancer, Cara is preparing for another round of chemo + immunotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant in Seattle.
This cutting-edge procedure, though promising, is extremely expensive and will require Cara to leave home, take an indefinite leave of absence from work and stay in the hospital and then an apartment near the Fred Hutch Cancer Center for approximately 2-3 months. When she returns home, she'll be quarantined to her home for another month or so due to being immunocompromised. She will not only face loss of income for several months, but will incur additional expenses such as transportation back and forth to Seattle, housing near the hospital, and other costs associated with living away from home and this treatment.
Cara is a longtime beloved member of her community in Bozeman, MT. She is a theater actress, director, producer, and teacher, and currently works at a nonprofit performing arts center in Big Sky. She thrives in a creative environment and has encouraged her students to embrace their passion for the arts and brought joy to area theater-goers. She's also a community organizer and advocate for many progressive causes, volunteering and assisting with local nonprofit organizations and events. Her greatest love has been raising her two boys, ages 23 and 21, helping them to become kind, empathetic, productive people.
At age 59, she's got a lot of life yet to live. With your generosity we can ensure her treatment goes well and she can focus on healing without the stress and worry of paying the associated bills. Thank you so much for your consideration. A donation in any amount is greatly appreciated.
Here's a short message from Cara:
Hello, friends and friends of friends!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and your consideration in helping me through this challenging time. I'm ever-grateful to my sister for putting this fundraiser together. I certainly never thought I'd be navigating the world of cancer treatments and having to ask for help, but here I am. (As a mom, I'm used to doing the helping, not asking for it!)
When I started my cancer journey last July, I felt optimistic the first treatment would work and I'd be on my way to recovery by now. But, as John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans." I've been thrown a huge curveball but am ready to take it on, get through this procedure and continue my life. The cost of this process - both financial and emotional - will be huge but hopefully well worth it. I have every confidence in the team at Fred Hutch to see me safely through to the other side, and to a long life of health and happiness.
Thank you, again, for your time and consideration. ❤️
Peace to all.
Cara
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Wilder
Organizer
Bozeman, MT
Cara Wilder
Beneficiary