Hello. This is not easy for me to write, because asking for help does not come naturally to me. But I need to be honest about where things are right now.

Before my diagnosis, I was fortunate to follow my dreams and work as an educator in amazing places like Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and the San Diego Zoo, where I had the chance to teach and connect with children every day. That work meant a great deal to me, and the people I met there became like extended family. Helping others learn and grow has always been close to my heart, which makes it even harder now to be the one needing help.

I’ve been battling stage 4 colon cancer for the past three and a half years. Thankfully, I have responded well to treatment so far. While living in California with my partners of 25 years, I had full medical coverage and a strong support system. However, I was deeply unhappy there, and the cost of living kept rising beyond what we could sustain. Managing serious illness is hard enough without also struggling emotionally and financially.

Together, we made the decision to move to Nevada for a more stable and affordable life. I’m happier here, but financially things are still very difficult. We are all struggling to make ends meet as my medical expenses continue to grow.

Because of my disability income, I fall just over the eligibility limits for additional medical assistance and Medicaid. That small difference in eligibility means I lose most coverage and must pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket for treatments I can’t safely skip. I am caught in a coverage gap where I don’t qualify for enough assistance, but also don’t have the resources to realistically afford ongoing cancer care. It creates constant financial pressure between paying for treatment and keeping up with everyday living costs.

I receive chemotherapy every two weeks, along with ongoing oncology visits, tests, and scans. Even with Medicare, the copays and uncovered portions add up quickly. These are not optional treatments. They are necessary to keep me alive and stable.

I am continuing treatment and fighting hard, but the financial strain is becoming overwhelming. I am asking for help to cover ongoing medical expenses so I can continue getting the care I need.

Any support, whether through donating or sharing this page, truly means more than I can express.