Hi Friends!

Michell is an active duty service member with 3 young children.

She has been diagnosed with having a large chondrosarcoma bone tumor on the sternum. Yes, it is cancer. Late Sep/early Oct she’s having major surgery that will likely be a total sternectomy (removing the sternum), with extensive reconstruction of the sternum to possibly include ribs and muscle resection. It’s a multidisciplinary procedure and the surgeons will not know the extent of the chest wall reconstruction needed until she’s on the operating table, but it is certain that rebuilding her sternum will be radical. Her case is an extremely rare case and the plate that will be used to replace the sternum is still in an experimental phase.

Non-medical recovery expenses are not covered. A price she’s paid for serving our country is being geographically separated from her main support system. She has honorably served for 15 years, and when she gets through this major life altering hurdle she hopes to serve another 5-10years.

Non-medical expenses are going to add up quickly. Any funds raised will be used for air travel for those coming to support before and during surgery and recovery, lodging, meals, caretaker lost wages compensation, additional childcare, recovery comfort furniture (adjustable bed, recliner, cushions), and any other additional expenses that come up.

Please help her get back to fighting condition to love her family and serve her country.

As we all know, she has always been a giver and supporter and it’s now our turn to help support her.