Support Hunter's Fight Against Leukemia
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Alana. Her brother, sister, and I are graciously asking for assistance in fundraising for my beautiful daughter, Hunter Collins.
Hunter is battling Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia at the young age of 29. She was diagnosed on April 2, 2024 after consistently struggling with fatigue, fainting and constant nausea for a month. Originally, Hunter was told she was anemic until more lab results returned showing signs of Leukemia. She was immediately admitted to the Orlando Cancer Institute where she spent 8 days receiving the medical care to get her stable once again. She completed a bone marrow biopsy and waited two anxious weeks for the firm diagnosis that her body is battling CMML Leukemia and would need to begin chemo therapy immediately to prepare her body for a bone marrow transplant.
She is currently going through several weeks a month of chemotherapy and will be retested monthly until she is ready to receive her transplant. We don’t know how long this journey will be, but as a family we WILL tackle this step-by-step and day-by-day! She has an amazing medical team at the Institute and we are all very optimistic for Hunter’s path ahead, but it will take time, strength and love!
Hunter has struggled daily with normal activities - eating, walking, and caring for herself. Her wonderful boyfriend, Wes, is caring for her daily, working from home consistently, driving her to her sometimes daily appts, holds her hands during the tough days and loves her unconditionally. They are lucky to share a deep love. She is slowly coming to terms with this new norm and the path ahead. Each day is different, mentally and physically. She spends most of her time at the Institute as she needs continuous monitoring, lab work, and blood transfusions to make it through the day and be strong enough to accept her chemotherapy treatment.
Hunter was JUST about to enter her 30’s, starting a new chapter. A move in June to Pittsburgh, PA for a new role at her company that she has worked for 6 years now. She was stepping up with an opportunity on the corporate side. After several rounds of interviews, they made her an offer to relocate her to Pittsburgh and shared with her that the entire team fell in love with her and they couldn't wait for her to join. She was incredibly thrilled for this next chapter in Pittsburgh which is very near and dear to her. Hunter's father, Chuck, passed away at the age of 45 in 2016 of esophagus cancer. Hunter cared for him every single day for 6 months and never left his side. The kids were raised Pittsburgh Steeler fans and bleed black and yellow. Hunter along with her brother and sister took Chuck's last trip to Pittsburgh the last few months of his life. They got to go on the field, meet some players, including the iconic Lynne Swan and even met Wiz Khalifa who performed the halftime show. A year after his passing, the kids and I spread Chuck’s ashes per his very specific wishes, at 3 rivers in Pittsburgh. The 3 rivers stadium lights shined bright on the water and the kids and I knew he was finally where he belonged.
When Hunter received the job offer she immediately called me and said “now I can be close to daddy everyday Mom!”. My heart was so full for her. Chuck would have been so proud of all she has accomplished in life and wouldn’t be surprised she was relocating her life to be close to him as they were thick as thieves from the moment she was born.
Unfortunately, a few days prior to her diagnosis, she had to make a very difficult call and share that she was unable to accept her dream job and relocate. They were obviously saddened to hear the news and stated “In some way, somehow, you will be a part of this team someday.” I have no doubt, once she is healthy and thriving, she will make her way to her dad!
I’d like to share some personal sentiments about Hunter from her loved ones:
- From Alex, Hunter’s Sister: “I’ve always looked up to my little sister. So much so that I’ve often referred to her as my big little sister. Hunter has always been the strongest person I know and I’ve always admired her bravery and commitment to our family. She's the glue. She’s my best friend, the one I call on for advice on things big and small, the person who never judges how often I cry, the person who would drop everything to care for you if you’re sick, the person who would relocate her life to stand by your side to support you through college, the person you want by your side celebrating life because there’s humor in every situation, even in life’s unavoidable darkness. That’s my favorite thing about my sito. The fact that through rough and dark times, she can make you laugh until you pee your pants, I should know. This shouldn’t be happening to her, she should be exempt from such bad luck and pain and I hope whoever reads this can stand up with us and fight with her. It’s our turn to show her the love, strength, commitment she’s provided us all. She’s also such a great role model to my kids. The best auntie I could ever ask for"
- From Spencer, Hunter's brother: "I think what defines Hunter is her unwavering and unconditional love she shows. She supports you through every triumph and failure, offering a safe conversation without judgment. Hunter has always encouraged and inspired growth on a physical, spiritual, and mental level. She challenges me to step out of my comfort zone, pursue your passions, and become the best version of yourself. These are just some of the endless reasons that collectively demonstrate why Hunter is not just my sibling but my best friend"
- From Nina, Hunter's best friend: "There’s so many things I can essay about Hunter, she’s one of the most beautiful people I have met in this entire world. To experience and get to know her is a blessing from god. She’s loyal, determined, funny, talented, the brightest ray of sunshine. Although she has this fight ahead of her, she will never be alone. So many people love and adore her and it just go to show how many lives she brings happiness to. I’m so grateful she is my best friend, my sister, my family and my soul mate. Please help us make this fight easier for Hunter. Thank you."
- From Me, Mommy: Hunter rocks my world in so may ways. She has always been the spiciest one, is unapologetically herself, is true in what she says and does, is absolutely hilarious (she gets it from me!). She's giving, loving and the most spiritual being. She is a talented singer and songwriter and has developed into a deep, optimistic, strong, supportive woman, sister, partner and friend to all. As everyone here has said, "she is my best friend" and it's true. She always answers when I call her and we can talk about everything or nothing. The bond we share as mother and daughter is special and grew the deepest when her father passed away. We cared for him daily, understand true loss and often held each others hands tightly during the hard times. I love you baby, so proud of you and know you have this in you to fight like heck. You are the light in many peoples lives and we will tackle this TOGETHER. Always with you, you got this!! - Mom
- From Jeremy, Hunter's Godfather and her Dad's best friend: "I’ve been a part of Hunter’s life since she came into the world. She’s seen a lot and been through a lot. No matter how difficult the situation she lightens every room she sets foot in. She is deep and soulful. Thoughtful and cares deeply for her tribe. Hunter holds a very important piece of my heart. Her father was by best friend and she was his best friend. We share an unbreakable bond and I consider her part of my family. She is like a daughter to me."
The Ask:
We are asking for help in covering Hunter's overwhelming medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. We have researched more about her treatment and the cost of her transplant and the financial path we will be on to save her life. In the first month, Hunters' medical bills not covered by insurance have exceeded $20,000+. Overall, we anticipate this journey to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hunter has medical coverage but it’s extremely limited. We are exploring many alternative avenues to find her the best coverage, but it is overwhelming at times as Hunter is physically unable to work in any capacity and is very susceptible to setbacks with zero immunity at this time.
Any contribution from our family, friends, and our communities, is greatly appreciated and will drastically change Hunter’s life moving forward! Our main focus is keeping her strength up for this fight without the heavy burden of funding living expenses and keep the medical treatment going that she needs to fight this battle!
Thank you for considering donating to help us with Hunters day to day expenses and medical treatment. Hunter, her sister Alex, brother Spencer and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We will provide updates here throughout her journey as often as possible. Lastly, we appreciate your patience with us during this time, as we may not be able to get back to everyone immediately. We will happily read and share all your thoughts with her daily.
May peace and love be with you every step,
The Collins Family
More about Hunters Diagnosis: CMML is a chronic blood cancer in which a person’s bone marrow does not make blood effectively and their bone marrow produces just too many white blood cells. With CMML white blood cells are increased and abnormal. Too many are produced and they are not developed enough to work properly, which affects the immune system and won’t allow the body to fight infection. It is also more difficult for the bone marrow to produce other good quality mature blood cells such as:
red blood cells
platelets
other white blood cells
As the number of abnormal blood cells increases, the levels of normal blood cells decrease.
Organizer and beneficiary
Alana Collins
Organizer
Scottsdale, AZ
Hunter Collins
Beneficiary
