Kelli -Stage 3 Breast Cancer Metastatic-BRCA2 Care

I am Kelli's sister-in-law Nichole.  Our family is writing on behalf of Kelli Morano and her husband, Frank Tozzoli, who is my brother.  Kelli has been diagnosed with an aggressive Stage 3 Right Breast Metastatic Cancer, as it has spread to her right axillary lymph nodes. Upon genetics testing, Kelli has also tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, which now puts her at a high risk for developing ovarian cancer.

On May 29, 2021, Kelli's younger brother Michael and her best friend passed away unexpectedly on the same day.  Still grieving their losses, seven weeks later, Kelli found a large lump in her right armpit, which led her to discover two additional lumps in her right breast.  Kelli and Frank's world turned upside down and for all of us that love them both.  Kelli believes her new guardian angels helped guide her to her armpit lump and breast lumps, which may have saved her life.

As always with the case of newly diagnosed cancer, the initial weeks have been a frightening process of mentally exhausting appointments, several painful tests and agonizing waiting.  Kelli has a long road of treatment which consists of chemotherapy, double mastectomy, reconstruction if she chooses and several rounds of radiation.  In addition, she will need pre and post operatory physical therapy to help prevent and manage lymphedema since she will need an axillary lymph node dissection. She will also need a complete hysterectomy followed soon after her breast cancer treatment is complete.

Unfortunately, Kelli's cancer treatment has impacted her and Frank financially and mentally, with missed work and a high medical insurance deductible.  If you would like to help support Kelli and Frank during this difficult time, donations of any amount are sincerely appreciated, as are your ongoing thoughts and prayers.  What my family knows about Kelli is that she is a survivor!  She may have the BRCA2 gene, but it is her survivor gene that will help her move forward during this difficult process.

With love and gratitude,
Nichole & family