Support Beatrice's Battle Against Breast Cancer

Family and Friends,

This is a message we thought we would never have to send and hope that no one else ever has to write... A few months ago, our sister Beatrice noticed a lump in her right breast. Though Beatrice had serious concerns, her primary physician insisted that it was only an infection and prescribed antibiotics. As she continued to visit the doctor with what she felt was getting worse, he continued to prescribe her another dose of antibiotics. As she went into her third month with much more pain and inflammation, she demanded further aggressive testing, and he finally agreed. An ultrasound, a mammogram, and finally a biopsy were done by another doctor and unfortunately, my sister's concerns were accurate. The results were positive for breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatment can be an emotional rollercoaster and be overwhelming in so many ways. It will involve multiple specialists and various therapies such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and reconstructive surgery, not to mention medication. As you can imagine, in addition to the journey of health recuperation, this is all a big expense, even with medical insurance. As a single mom, though financially challenging living paycheck to paycheck, Beatrice has always taken care of her responsibilities and has always provided for herself and her daughter. But now she needs your help... With all of the many specialists/doctors she will have to see weekly with minimum copays of $50 to $100 per visit, we're asking for your help...

She will soon start chemotherapy to then follow with a double mastectomy as her cancer is a large mass with cancer cells that have now spread. She will then need radiation and the reconstructive surgery. Which brings us to how much time she may need to be out of work; another financial concern. And we are praying that it is not in the lymph nodes or skin, which we are currently waiting for the results of the latest test. Everything is happening so fast for her and we are unsure and concerned about how it will affect her. But she wants to be prepared for the unknown and most concerning is the finances. So again, if you could help with a donation, even in the smallest way, it will be greatly appreciated.

Our goal is to raise at least $40,000. The monies would help with:

- Chemotherapy

- Mastectomy

- Radiation

- Reconstructive Surgery

- Medication

- Finances in case her PTO runs out

Other ways you can help:

She will most likely need someone to take care of her on days she gets chemo. She will need help with meals, cleaning, and other day-to-day needs. And of course, prayers... If you've read this message up to this point, I thank you for taking the time to listen. We are grateful to all that will give us a helping hand in whatever you can do. As our sister is so independent, the last thing she would do is ask for any kind of help. As her siblings, we force her to allow us to help her. But we just want her to be good without the extra worry and let her focus on fighting this disease and getting back to life.

Sincerely,

Edwin, Jolie, Yvette & Brenda