Support Elaina Smith's Fight Against Cancer

My name is Elaina Smith. I am the main breadwinner for my family and I have been diagnosed with stage 3 rectal adenocarcinoma. I don't like to think about the word cancer, but it has now become a reality.

I have been the provider for my husband, who became disabled in 2007, and my three grandchildren since 2019. I am blessed to have a wonderful job with good benefits and insurance. However, the insurance does not cover everything, and I have already used up my vacation and sick time at work for appointments and days I have been too sick to work.

I have already had a colonoscopy, CT scan, MRI, and a port put in for the chemotherapy I will be starting on March 19th, 2025. I will have 6 chemo treatments, one every 2 weeks, then more imaging to compare. I may not have to have radiation if it has significantly decreased in size. That's to be determined. I will then have to have surgery to remove that section of my rectum and colon, followed by another 6 treatments of chemo. It will be a long, difficult process, but I am staying positive and will fight to be a cancer survivor.

The added stress of knowing my income will be greatly decreased by not being able to work multiple days because of illness, appointments, and surgery does not help.

I was already struggling to take care of monthly costs to support my family. Now I have that to worry about on top of trying to get myself healthy again.

I appreciate any support and assistance that is provided.

I promise I will fight to beat this. I just want to be here for my family and give them a good life.

Thank you for supporting me in this difficult time.