Please Help KATIE ARIETTA BEAT MELANOMA Cancer

On 5/5/21 at just 37 years old, Katie (Elrod) Arietta was diagnosed with skin cancer, a stage 3B melanoma that had spread to her lymph nodes. She had surgery to remove the mole that it originated in as well as lymph nodes removed. As a precaution, she was treated with 12 months of immunotherapy to help prevent any recurrence. Unfortunately, the day before the 12th treatment, Katie found out that the treatments had not worked and that she did in fact, have a melanoma recurrence…. with an even further spread. She had another extensive surgery on 6/1/22 and just started an aggressive treatment 6/13/22.

The reason for this more aggressive treatment is that with the recurrence, the cancer has spread to several lymph node basins, and her femur neck (hip bone). She may have to have a hip replacement, which would be done at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. The treatment has already caused severe fatigue, an itchy rash, joint pain, and more side effects. Doctors from Beebe, Tunnell Cancer Center, and Johns Hopkins are working together to find the best treatment plan for Katie. She is unable to work. Her husband, James, has taken time off from work to help care for her. Together they have 2 children to care for as well. We know there will be even more medical bills for future surgeries, transportation to and from treatment centers, and living expenses for her family of four. Katie is a fighter and is ready to do whatever it takes to beat this. She has a lot of love and support in her corner, but she needs our help now more than ever.
There is also a “Meal Train” going to help feed her family. Please consider making them a meal or purchasing a gift certificate from one of her favorite restaurants. Gift certificates can be dropped off at R. Sterling Hair Boutique (18388 Coastal Hwy #5, Lewes, DE 19958) Link for schedule and more details  https://mealtrain.com/dy3046