Hello, my name is Rita Semrick - I have worked for the last 13 years at a Women's' Health Clinic at a local hospital. For the last 3 years I would also pick up extra hours in the Emergency Room, at times working 60-70 hours per week. This took it's toll on me, but I've always believed in doing what is necessary to support my family. I found joy and satisfaction in my work as a medical assistant, which gave me the opportunity to know and work with cancer patients, and to become close friends with doctors and nurses.

I have three children, two of which live with me (one finishing his Bachelor's in English at Fresno State) as well as my daughter's twin 4 year-old grandchildren. My Husband and I have always worked very hard.
On June 24 , 2016 I was diagnosed with Stage 3B Breast Cancer, I am currently undergoing chemotherapy and have 2 surgeries and 6 weeks of radiation therapy ahead of me on my journey - I will be off work until May 1, 2017 at the earliest.

Two weeks after my diagnosis I was switched to COBRA insurance, which is very expensive at $700 per month, and on which I have $20 deductibles and $500 co-pays for surgeries: with no Paid-Time-Off or vacation hours It has hit my family very hard.

I've always been the person who does everything to save everyone and it's been very hard for me to ask for help, but I need to do it for my family to financially survive. Any donation would be humbly and forever appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read my GoFundMe page, and for any help you can give.

Sincerely,
Rita Semrick