Fighting for a second chance

Hi there, my name is Ariel Michelle and I am writing this on behalf of my mom Meryl Sacks. I don't believe she has it in her to ask anyone for help, so I'm swallowing any pride and asking myself! My mom is a single mother of two and has worked her entire life to provide for both my brother and I. In May of 2019 my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 appendiceal cancer. Appendiceal cancer is extremely rare, and there are only about 2000 cases in the whole United States.

 

My mom had to undergo surgery alone during the height of the pandemic/lockdown. To make a challenging situation even worse, we could not be there for her during her recovery and chemotherapy process. Her doctors did what's called a “debulking” surgery where they removed her appendix, uterus, half of her intestinal tubing and half of her colon. Shortly after she went straight into chemotherapy and has been going about this form of therapy ever since. After countless chemotherapy sessions, she went into a brief remission. However, after a recent scan, the doctors informed her that the cancer is back and she will need to continue with chemotherapy. This cancer can be aggressive and can come back with a vengeance. Life expectancy for stage 4 Appendiceal cancer is 2-5 years.

 

My mom has always helped those around her, and has supported those who have been less fortunate than she. She has a lion heart, and gives to almost everyone except herself. As her daughter, I so desperately want to return the favor for all the years of hard work and dedication she’s put in as a mother. Since there is no cure for this cancer, and no current trials available at this time, we have decided to go forward with alternative therapies in hopes that we can see an improvement in her diagnosis and improve her quality of life. Unfortunately, these types of treatments are not covered under insurance and can become costly. The money we raise will go towards alternative therapies, lodging, food, and peace of mind. We have her first appointment for immune therapy scheduled for June 13th and my mom is praying for some improvement. Due to the side effects of the chemotherapy, brain fog, lack of energy and concentration, etc., my mom will have to slow down a bit, as she can't possibly continue on with the state of health she is in. Money, unfortunately, has become her biggest concern in all of this when it should, in fact be her health. I would love to give my mom this gift and surprise her with the overwhelming love and support of the people around her. I want her to know that all those years of giving and caring for those in her life didn’t go in vain and that the universe is supporting her on this healing journey. A little goes a long way; even if you can only donate a dollar or say a prayer, anything would help.

 

love & gratitude,

Ariel