Please Help Support Belinda's Surgical Recovery

Hi, we are Justine Hudak and Rose Reyes, friends of Belinda Czerkowicz and raising funds on her behalf. Recently, Belinda visited a local orthopedic surgeon for what she thought was a pulled groin muscle that wouldn't heal. The MRI results revealed something much more serious--a tumor on her hipbone. The tumor has malignant characteristics and is suspected to be a form of chondrosarcoma--a rare and often aggressive cancer.

As a result, she was referred to Rutgers Cancer Institute where a team of oncologic surgeons will be performing pelvic surgery in early June. The tumor and a surrounding portion of bone and tissue will be removed and a titanium implant will be placed. The tumor will then be fully analyzed to determine the grade and stage which will dictate further treatment. We're grateful that at this time, testing has shown the cancer is localized and has not spread to her organs or other bones.

Belinda maintains a positive outlook but will have a recovery period of several months and will be unable to work for a period of time. We have created this go fund me to help alleviate some of the financial uncertainty while she focuses on healing. Funds raised will help her cover household expenses, bills, and costs relating to her treatment not covered by her insurance.

Belinda has faced several tragic situations in her life head-on and with resilience. These experiences have given her a high level of empathy and the ability to connect with and support others in a profound way, whether they be her previous special needs students, her friends, or even those she may have just met. If she can't help you fix an issue, her quick wit and dry humor will at least make you laugh. She's always been self-reliant and creative at problem-solving, so it is unusual and humbling for her to find herself in a position of needing help. For those who know Belinda and/or those who may have been affected by cancer themselves or within their families, please know that any bit helps as she takes this journey.