Support Stephanie Contreras' Fight Against Cancer

Hi, my name is Stephanie Contreras. I’m 35 years old, a proud wife, and a proud mother of two beautiful girls. Back in August of this year, I went on vacation for my birthday with my family. While I was on vacation, I developed unbearable abdominal pain. I didn’t think much of it and thought it would most likely go away. 24 hours later, I was in the ER. They performed tests and a CT scan with contrast. When the doctor came back with the results, I received the news that I was always terrified to receive. They found a mass that could possibly be a neuroendocrine tumor, also known as a carcinoid tumor. I was devastated. I came back home to Charlotte to see the oncologist and gastroenterologist, and they confirmed that not only did they find the tumor, but it had begun to spread to my liver.

I don’t know how long I’ve had this tumor, but I do know that my energy levels have not been the same for about a year now. I haven’t been the same for some time. The worst part is that I didn’t have the energy to do the things I love most, such as activities with my family.

The surgeon that I see suggested that I get surgery done on October 31st. This surgery will be the biggest surgery that I would ever have to get done, and the scariest. Recovery will take up to two months, during which I will be without any sort of income. I make the most income in our household at the moment. My husband is new to the United States and is limited in finding work because Spanish is his primary language. For two months, we will be struggling and trying to make ends meet. After surgery, the surgeon will let me know if I’ll have to continue with treatment such as radiation or injections. It all depends on how much of the cancer he will be able to remove. Touching the liver can be very risky and might require further treatments. With the hospital bills from Florida when we were on vacation and future bills post-surgery, honestly, any help would be greatly appreciated. I’ve never been one to ask for help of any kind, but it’s so much easier said than done, especially when you’re actually going through a tough time like this. I never thought I would be in this situation, and my heart goes out to those who have lived through it and have won this battle against cancer, and of course, for those who didn’t make it.

Whatever you can donate, anything will help.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

God Bless,

Stephanie Contreras