Support Gretel Young's Cancer Recovery Journey

Hello. My name is Gretel Young, and I live in Columbus, Ohio. My career field is Early Childhood Education, so I always find myself living close to the bone. As a single woman in a lower-paying job, I had to supplement my income by babysitting and working as a gardener.

I never minded the extra work because I love nurturing both plants and children. A diagnosis of bladder cancer in May of 2024 threw my careful planning for a loop.

I worked as long as I could, but the extensive bending and lifting required in 2-year-old classrooms took its toll. I was asked to be a “floater” in 3 different classrooms, and by August it was too much.

By November, I was recovering and feeling ready to take on a full-time job, but during a check-in, my oncologist found a new tumor in my urethra. I am scheduled for surgery in December, and I will have to delay working full-time until I am fully recovered.

Even though I withdrew all of my retirement fund, I am still behind in my rent. Paying my back rent with late fees along with the rent for December comes out to $3,515.00. That seems like such a huge number to ask people to help me with, but getting the money to my landlord is really important to me. He relies on the rent he receives to take care of his own family.

I am so grateful for his patience with me, and I want to reward him for his compassion.

After my first surgery, all the cancerous tumors were removed, and my prognosis was excellent. I am a person of faith, and I feel confident my second surgery will go just as well. Here’s to working together to keep each other strong.

Much love,

Gretel Young