ACC stage 4 radiation treatment
Donation protected

Hello friends and family,
I am writing this to you today in hopes that you will share my sister’s story and update those of you that have followed her journey.
Back in September, September 11th to be exact, my sister as well as all of our families lives changed drastically from a phone call by oncology. They diagnosed Natalie with stage 4 Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma(ACC), which is basically tongue cancer at the base of her tongue.
After an emotional roller coaster of back and forth of treatment option she finally had the courage to proceed with the removal of her tongue.
Fast forward to Jan. 10th, MD Anderson Cancer Center here in Houston Texas, where doctors completed a 7 hour procedure that was projected to last 10-12 hours. They have done a phenomenal job by removing her whole tongue and replacing it with a flap harvested from her inner left thigh, having a radical neck removing lymph nodes, being trached for airway protection, and a NG tube for feedings.
This journey is no easy task and now we move forward in recovery to face another challenge, radiation therapy. A go fund me was created by our dad in the beginning to help cover expenses as she worked her way up to her surgery date. Of course that has since gone and is still in need of assistance. We are asking, hoping, and praying that you can help raise money for her to ease the financial stress this unforeseen burden has caused. So, no matter big or small the donation we as a family appreciate all the love, thoughts, and prayers coming from everywhere.
Thank you from all of us for everything. It has been genuinely appreciated.
Hello friends and family,
I am writing this to you today in hopes that you will share my sister’s story and update those of you that have followed her journey.
Back in September, September 11th to be exact, my sister as well as all of our families lives changed drastically from a phone call by oncology. They diagnosed Natalie with stage 4 Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma(ACC), which is basically tongue cancer at the base of her tongue.
After an emotional roller coaster of back and forth of treatment option she finally had the courage to proceed with the removal of her tongue.
Fast forward to Jan. 10th, MD Anderson Cancer Center here in Houston Texas, where doctors completed a 7 hour procedure that was projected to last 10-12 hours. They have done a phenomenal job by removing her whole tongue and replacing it with a flap harvested from her inner left thigh, having a radical neck removing lymph nodes, being trached for airway protection, and a NG tube for feedings.
This journey is no easy task and now we move forward in recovery to face another challenge, radiation therapy. A go fund me was created by our dad in the beginning to help cover expenses as she worked her way up to her surgery date. Of course that has since gone and is still in need of assistance. We are asking, hoping, and praying that you can help raise money for her to ease the financial stress this unforeseen burden has caused. So, no matter big or small the donation we as a family appreciate all the love, thoughts, and prayers coming from everywhere.
Thank you from all of us for everything. It has been genuinely appreciated.
Organizer
Rachel Ruiz
Organizer
Whittier, CA
