Renae Heikkila

In 2016, our family was stopped in our tracks to find out that Renae Heikkila had breast cancer. She endured a double mastectomy and later, reconstruction surgery. There were several complications through both procedures that made healing and getting "back to normal" quite difficult. She dealt with wounds not healing, had a scary case of sepsis and also had a bout with diabetic ketoacidosis which all left her hospitalized. She also received her diagnosis of diabetes during this time. She fought each battle like the champ that she is and was finally getting back to feeling like herself again. She had started a new job with a great team of people and was enjoying her work and her family.

After all of these challenges, it would be hard to believe that the worst was yet to come. Yet here we are in November of 2020, and Renae has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer; one of the most aggressive cancers there is. It was found after she went in for an annoying pain in her side that only seemed to get worse over time. Her treatment plan will be as aggressive as the cancer including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. We know that this is going to be the toughest battle she has ever fought and that it will take it's toll on her mentally, emotionally, physically and of course financially and we know she will need all of the support she can get.

Renae has handled all of these challenges like an absolute champion. She is a fighter and is ready to fight this with all she's got. She is not one to ask for help, but is the first to offer help to those who need it. Well now SHE needs it, and we want to do everything we can to help her. Renae has high deductibles to meet in order to get her care. She will need to meet one for 2020 and it will start over again in January of 2021. The out of pocket expenses for just that alone will be over $15K. Not to mention, the countless drives to Des Moines for her treatments, daily living expenses and regular monthly bills. She cannot currently work and we are not sure when she will be able to again. She already sold her car to help cover expenses and we just want to ensure that expenses are the last thing she has to worry about.

We know that 2020 has not been easy on anybody, and we know there may be challenges with giving. If all you can give is a few kind words of encouragement or your time to send a prayer, know that we appreciate that just as much as that $100 donation. We are very thankful for all of you and your support of Renae and all of the kind and encouraging messages you've sent. She can't be around her family right now as we can't risk her getting covid, and it makes all of this that much harder on her and your support means that much more. In addition to this GoFundMe, we will be selling t-shirts, bracelets and koozies so be looking for those soon so we can turn this town purple in honor of Renae!! Keep on Heikkin', Renae!! NEVER GIVE UP!! We love you!