Hello Friends and Family,

We are reaching out to share the recent story of our best friend, the amazing, Super Stephy, and her sudden and unexpected diagnosis, Stage 4 Metatastic Cervical Cancer.

On NYE 2024, Candise and Steph were building a bonfire on a particularly cold Florida night when Steph noticed she was standing in and getting bitten by a ton of red ants. Steph was annoyed because she knows she's allergic and would spend the next several days with swollen, painful ankles and legs from the bites. She did her usual ice, Benadryl, and elevation, but after several days longer than the allergy attack normally lasts, her symptoms were not getting better. The swelling was spreading up her legs and into her torso area and became noticeably more painful than past reactions. Never being a fan of "White Coats," Steph sucked it up and went to see her doc. She was dismissed pretty quickly with the doctors telling her to just take Benadryl; it's a reaction. She continued to do so, but the swelling and pain kept intensifying. A few more days passed, and she started having severe abdominal pain, and even urinating became an issue. Steph went back to her doc and again was dismissed, but this time with a referral to a Urologist. For over TWO WEEKS, Steph repeatedly called the Urologist, never getting an answer, call back, or an appointment. At this point, the swelling was triple, the pain was unbearable, and urinating stopped completely.

On March 18th, with the pain intensifying and the insanely strong push from us, Steph checked herself into the Englewood Memorial ER for what she thought was a severe infection. She was admitted immediately.

After a few days, scans, tests, and labs, and hearing the "C" word for the first time, she was transferred to the Sarasota Oncology Ward in Sarasota, FL. There, an amazing team of doctors took great care and equally great concern for our girl. A few more days, scans, tests, biopsies, and a pair of nephropathy drain tubes (AKA her "fun bags") later, she was released. But not before she was presented with some pretty tough news to swallow, Stage 4 Metastatic Cervical Cancer. In non-medical terms, a growing cancerous tumor has taken up residency in Stephy's entire pelvic area.

As shocking and as sudden as this devastating news came, Steph was quick to ask, "What's the plan?" Her optimism and positivity are contagious, she is ready TO FIGHT!!!

She took her first 9-hour round of immunotherapy and chemo on 4/9 and will continue every three weeks for the next 18 weeks for her first round of attack. We are praying the midway mark PET scan in June shows us some evidence the tumor is shrinking. Asking for ALL THE PRAYERS on that one.

As anyone who's gone through or had a loved one battle cancer, or maybe Steph is your first loved one, we know this comes on suddenly and does not give much thought or time for preparing physically, mentally, or financially.

THE PLAN

Here's where we need your immediate help!!!! Steph is family, and right now, she needs us all more than ever.

Her chemo cocktail is very strong, which will prevent her from working for the next several months, and also keep her from simple daily routines like driving, grocery shopping, and ability to spoil her pride'n'joy Ellen Griswold for months to come. We are reaching out to those that would like to help Steph focus all of her energy fighting this battle and take away the burden of everyday expenses, monthly bills, future comfort needs, and ultimately, massive medical bills. Our goal is to raise money to help ease this burden for Steph and help her kick cancer's ass!

Every little bit helps, and she would be so grateful for any and all support.

If you are unable to donate, we understand, and we ask if you would kindly share Steph's story on your forums and to friends and family near and far.

If cash donations are not your thing, we get that too, please consider donating Amazon gift cards, Doordash, dog food, gas cards to share for her rides to chemo and doctor appointments, groceries, catching sunsets on the beach, etc. these would all be graciously accepted. Did I mention wigs??? Steph would really love some super fun wigs!!!

Please contact Carrie or Candise for more information if looking to send something to Steph personally.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

All the love,

Carrie and Candise