Support Renee’s Fight against Cancer!

This past October, my mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.

We had taken mom to the hospital for severe back pain when a tumor was discovered. The tumor was causing significant damage as it pressed into her spine; it had limited her mobility and fractured the bone. Needless to say, the last thing we expected the doctor to say was the “C” word as a potential diagnosis. In disbelief, things quickly escalated. Mom became a patient at Duke University Hospital, where they identified cancer had spread from her breast to other areas of her body, including several lymph nodes, her liver, and, most severely, her spine.

Within a week, mom underwent extensive surgery to remove the tumor and fuse four vertebrae in her lower spine. After surgery, mom experienced several implications that kept her in the hospital for close to a month, including an infection that led to sepsis, hypercalcemia, temporary cognitive impairment, a rib fracture, etc. She has since begun radiation and chemo, which she will continue indefinitely. There is a long journey ahead of us, and although we’ve been told not curable – my mom’s cancer is treatable.

One would think having cancer is a burden enough in itself, but having cancer isn’t cheap. With accruing costs from surgery, tests and procedures, hospital and in-home care, medications, treatments, physical therapy, appointments, lodging, and transportation, the bills have begun to stack up.

Those who know me best know that asking for help is not an easy thing for me to do. But this time is different; this time, I’m asking so we can take care of someone I love more than anything in the world. As a friend, teacher, daughter, sister, wife, and mother, she has always taken care of all those around her – now it’s our turn to take care of her.

My mom defines resilience. She will win this fight, but no one should fight alone. If able, even the smallest donation and/or link share of this page will help make an impact on my family’s ability to continue giving her the care that she deserves. The care that will bring her back home as close to cancer-free as possible.

Mom has never allowed her health to change her outlook on life or ability to make the best out of every day – as she says, “live your bestest days.” No matter what hardship she faces, she always radiates sunshine on all those around her; her love for life is unconditional.

My family is forever appreciative of your generosity and support.

Thank you.