Update: Tonight, July 30, 2024, I made the short trek to my friends place. She had another chemo cocktail 2 weeks ago and as of yesterday the hair that had been back for 2 years was suddenly falling out in large clumps. So, for the 2nd time, I took the clippers and shaved her head once again. That's when this hits hard for me. How was Maryann after, she was happy she wouldn't see the large clumps in her hands as she took a shower or simply combed her hair. I drew the basic picture above the first time I shaved her head, when she fell asleep on the sofa with Gilly resting on her bald head. Maryann needs our help, the full collective help of many more. Please consider sharing her story. As for me, I cried the whole way home cause I just am amazed by her daily.

To all those who have witnessed the relentless battle against cancer and sought ways to help, I share Maryann Tetreault's journey with you today.

Maryann was first diagnosed in Jan 2020 with triple negative breast cancer (one of the most aggressive cancers). I knew she had a good battle ahead of her when she had her very first chemo treatment, she went into anaphylactic shock and coded. That was her first win, she made it through that and continues to fight. She is a true true champion fighter, facing stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to her brain, lungs, and bones. Despite this daunting diagnosis, she remains a beacon of positivity, always focused on her dreams and her beloved dogs who bring her immense joy. Gilly is her 4 legged boy in the picture, yes that is short for Gilligan. Dottie, not pictured is her baby 4 legged girl who brings her joy daily!

After undergoing two rounds of gamma knife treatment that eradicated the tumors in her brain, Maryann continues to confront each new challenge with determination. The lungs are speckled with small cancer spots but with her determination to fight, as many fade away, a few new ones show up. She considers that area to be like the game Whack a Mole as they pop up she whacks them back down.

Her current struggle lies in the bone cancer in her hip. When first diagnosed in the hip bone, what did she say, how did that impact her, she just said "if I need a hip replacement to get rid of it, let's do it!" However, the area it's located can't be replaced. The hip bone cancer makes navigating stairs in her two-story townhouse nearly impossible. The bedrooms are upstairs and laundry is downstairs, therefore making tasks like doing laundry arduous.

Maryann's greatest need is with finances between medical tests, doctors visits that are 2 hours away, prescriptions which keep going up, tests fees and co-pays. Unfortunately, the cost of all this is a real challenge on her limited income from social security disability. Adding to her financial strain is a 17 year old car and mounting medical bills and prescriptions that need urgent attention. Her annual out of pocket with Medicare is $4,000 per year....on disability income that alone is a huge financial burden.

Your support can make a world of difference. By donating to this fundraiser, you can help Maryann cover her medical expenses, afford prescriptions, and maybe contribute towards a more accessible living space. Financial help will allow her to focus on her health and well-being and not the bills.

Part of her prescriptions is for diabetes medication. The chemo drugs are mixed with a strong prednisone type drug, which causes her sugar to spike and requires insulin to help keep it manageable. You've probably heard diabetes drugs alone have skyrocketed. Januvia is hundreds per month, not counting the insulin!

If she received $50, that covers just one of her insulin medications for a month. If she could get $100, that would cover 1/2 of a month of her Januvia prescription. This is a very small example of prescriptions for a cancer patient. The reality is, she probably takes 8-12 prescriptions depending on where she is with chemo.

Every contribution, no matter the size, is a step towards ensuring Maryann has the best chance to continue her courageous fight against cancer. Please consider donating today if Maryann's story resonates with you or if you've been touched by her unwavering spirit and love for her dogs. Your generosity will help ease her financial burden and provide her with the comfort and accessibility she so deserves.

Now that you've read this, think one step further...what if this was your best friend, your sister or your Mother. Wouldn't you try to help raise money to ease their burden? I am positive you would.

Thank you for taking the time to read Maryann's story and for extending a helping hand to my friend in need. Together, we can support Maryann as she continues to 'whack a mole' and defy the odds stacked against her.

Show your support for Maryann by donating to her GoFundMe today.