Deidra Saukas certainly didn’t expect to get diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma when she went to the dentist to get a baby tooth pulled, but that’s exactly what happened! The site wasn't healing so she went back and the dentist decided to biopsy it. Thank God that he did! The pathology results came back as a Burkitts Lymphoma. Burkitts lymphoma is a very rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. The treatment for this cancer is an intensely aggressive form of chemotherapy that needs to be done in the University of Vermont hospital located in Burlington, Vermont. Deidra is working with a Lymphoma specialist in Burlington. Treatment will require traveling across the lake to Vermont and be admitted into the hospital.

Every 21 days, Dee will be admitted into the hospital for 5 or 6 days to receive four 24-hour bags of chemo and a Rituxan infusion, then be released to go home for two weeks to build strength to go back and do it six more times. At six months she will receive another pet scan to see where her body is with the cancer. She has received her first round of chemotherapy and Rituxan, which has already left her very weak and run down. She is extremely immunocompromised and unable to work for at least 5 to 6 months if treatment goes as planned.

Deidra has worked at Cumberland head school since 2017 in the cafeteria. She has a limited number of PTO days to use and Cumberland Head School does not offer short term disability. The financial burden will begin quickly. Deidra has resided in Beekmantown for over 25 years where she raised her daughter Amanda as a single mother. Her daughter, Amanda, is her only support. Amanda drives her to all of her appointments, both in Plattsburgh and Vermont. She also travels to Vermont almost daily during the weeks that Deidra is admitted in UVM hospital, to give her Mom the love and support she needs and returns back to Plattsburgh to take care of her son Kamden.

Taking the ferry and gas starts to add up quickly as well.

Deidra never thought she would be in this situation or have to ask for such help. She was enjoying being a loving mother to and grandmother to Amanda and Kamden.

Any donation, no matter the size, will be a tremendous help. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with others.

We are so grateful for your love, support, and prayers as we navigate this devastating journey.

Thank you for your kindness."

• Sincerely, the Saukas Family.