Helping Shari Fight For Life

Shari was originally diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer 14 years ago. She underwent a double mastectomy which included the removal of 16 lymph nodes when more cancer was detected. She had chemotherapy after her mastectomy which then resulted in a staph infection in the chemo port and then a blood clot. She endured 34 rounds of radiation to her chest wall. In November of 2010 she received the devastating news that the cancer had spread and was diagnosed with Stage 4, Metastatic Breast Cancer.There were spots on her spine, sternum, rib, and clavicle. More rounds of radiation were to follow: 10 to the spine, 5 to each hip, and most recently, 15 to her skull where the cancer has now spread. These are more the "facts" of the cancer, but the reality of how it has affected Shari is something many don't think about.

The past 7 years have been draining emotionally, physically, and financially. The cancer has made it impossible for Shari to work for the past 7 years, and the costs of cancer are astronomical! There are the obvious doctor visits, copays, medication, travel expenses, time off work(for her hubby,) scarves, hats, post surgical clothing, wigs, food that sounded good only to make her sick(thanks to the chemo and radiation,) etc.
The fatigue Shari experiences is debilitating. The stress from the financial strain is devastating, the emotional pain is almost unbearable. 

When faced with a diagnosis such as Shari's, most people would do whatever they could and get several opinions. Their lives depend on it. Shari and her family have been "dealing" with this cancer for the past 14 years and resources have been depleted. She would love to be able to visit the Cancer Centers of America, but her insurance will only cover 80% of the total costs. She has, for now, opted to schedule an appointment with her previous doctor who currently practices in Eugene, OR for a "second opinion." She is needing help getting to the appointment and with the costs associated with it. The appointment is scheduled in February, so we are racing the clock to get Shari and Bill the help they need. It's time to put actions behind our words.

We can't take away the cancer, but we can help with the financial stress involved with fighting the cancer. Please help show Shari and Bill how much you truly care.  We want her to win this fight, and though her faith is strong, and we are praying for a miracle, we need to back up our faith with works to help Shari win this fight. Bill needs his wife, Daniel and Emily need their mom, Shari needs to know that she is not alone and we are there to support her in every way possible. Thank you for your show of support.