Support Mary McCartney's Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

One of my closest friends in the world, Mary McCartney, needs our help. Here's her story:

"On June 6, after doing inventory all day at the World Market store at which I’m the general manager, I stopped at an urgent care because I thought I had bronchitis and it wasn’t going away. They did a chest X-ray and referred me to the ER at the Cleveland Clinic hospital nearby. After several hours at the ER, I was admitted to the hospital to be treated for pneumonia. While in the hospital for the next 6 days, fluid was drained from my lungs, but there was also fluid in my abdomen, which was seen in a CT scan. After the scan and lab results came back, I found out that I have Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer (malignant cells in the abdominal fluid and masses on my ovaries).

I freaked out.

I met my new oncologist though and was reassured that she already had a treatment plan for me, I am young (enough) and healthy and there was no reason to think I wouldn’t be around for a long time, though obviously it was serious and I needed treatment quickly. So while I’m trying to grasp the idea that I’m a person who has cancer and all of the fear and anxieties that come with that, I’m holding on to all of the positivity and hope that my oncology team has given from the start of this crazy journey.

I started a course of chemotherapy at the end of June, which will finish at the end of August and then will have surgery to remove the masses and then more chemo to eradicate whatever is left. I’m determined to excel at chemo, but it has kicked my butt already a few times and I am really wanting to get through it and be done.

Unfortunately, I have a job that is physically demanding and I can’t do remotely or part time. So, at the urging of my medical team, I’m taking medical leave to focus on healing. Also unfortunately, I have only been a GM for World Market for 10 months so I haven’t accrued much paid time away to cover my absence and will not be paid while I take leave. I have decent insurance, but it will still be expensive by the end of the treatment plan. As much as it’s against my nature, I need to reach out and ask for help getting through this. Because I will get through this."

Mary has always been there for others, offering her support and love without hesitation. Now, it’s our turn to give back to her. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in her life.

Please consider donating to help Mary focus on her recovery without the added stress of financial worries. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser with your network would be greatly appreciated.

Because she will get through this.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Edward Brede