Help Connie Fight for Her Life — and Get the Answers She Deserves

I met Connie in 7th grade art class. She’s been one of those rare people ever since—the kind who shows up, who gives, who takes care of everyone else without hesitation. Not just as my friend, but to all her friends, and her entire family as well. Connie has been a natural caregiver her entire life.

Right now, she needs that same support back.

What Started as One Surgery Became Years of Medical Crisis

About four years ago, Connie had an emergency gallbladder removal. It should have been straightforward.

It wasn’t.

Soon after, she began retaining fluid and struggling to breathe. She was rushed back to the hospital and admitted to the ICU for six days. When she was discharged, she was sent home on 6 liters of oxygen, with no clear answers as to why her body was failing her.

For nearly a year, she searched for those answers.

Eventually, she was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease, a serious condition that permanently affects her ability to breathe.

She Fought Back — Hard

Connie didn’t give up.

She committed herself to improving her health in any way she could. Over the last year, she lost nearly 200 pounds—an incredible, life-altering achievement by any standard.

But even that wasn’t enough to stop what was happening inside her body.

A Devastating New Diagnosis

In February, Connie went to the doctor for what she thought might be a blockage.

Instead, after being sent to a surgeon in Portland and undergoing biopsies, she was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer.

Another life-changing diagnosis. Another fight.

There Are Still Questions — And We Intend to Get Them

What makes this even harder is that some of what Connie has experienced along the way doesn’t fully add up medically.

We are actively encouraging her to pursue second opinions and potential legal review, because she deserves clear answers about what happened to her body over the past four years.

Right now, though, her focus has to be survival.

The Reality Behind the Scenes

Connie is not facing this alone—but her household has been hit hard.

Her fiancé of over 20 years has had to step away from work to care for her full-time. Between her oxygen needs, cancer care, and day-to-day support, it simply hasn’t been possible for him to maintain employment.

That means:

Household bills are piling up

Pharmacy co-pays are constant and expensive- A bill of a couple hundred dollars or more is owed.

Basic living expenses are becoming overwhelming

This is not just a health crisis—it’s a financial one.

Connie has a car she's been forced to pay a payment on, that she can't even drive because it needs a lot of work.

Why This Matters

Connie and her fiancé have spent years being the people others could rely on. They have helped countless friends, quietly and without asking for anything in return. Ever.

Now it’s time for that support to come back to them.

How You Can Help

Every donation—no matter the size—goes directly toward:

Life-saving treatments, and access to care.

Moving expenses- Connie is currently on waiting lists for a first floor apartment in town.

Medications and co-pays

Travel for specialist care

Keeping their home stable during this time

If you’re not in a position to give, sharing this page is just as important. A single share can really go a long way. If you would like to donate to Connie directly and bypass Gofundme fees, please reach out to her personally- if you would like to donate directly to vendors, please reach out to either of us for that information as well.

❤️ Let’s Show Up for Connie

Connie has done everything right. She has fought and is fighting for her health. She pushed through fear, pain, and uncertainty.

Now she’s facing one of the hardest battles of her life.

Let’s make sure she doesn’t have to fight it alone.