Support Vanessa Graziano's Healing Journey

Support Vanessa Graziano in Her Healing Journey to Health

Dear friends, family, and community,

We come to you with heavy hearts and an urgent plea to support someone who has given so much to others. Vanessa Graziano, a beloved community advocate and a relentless champion for people experiencing homelessness, has recently been given the news by her doctor that the undiagnosed symptoms she's been experiencing for years may indicate a Pancoast tumor related to an aggressive form of lung cancer.

A Pancoast tumor is a rare type of lung cancer that begins in the top part of your lung. Symptoms usually include shoulder pain and arm weakness. Pancoast tumors aren't curable, but in many cases, they're manageable with treatment.

While a formal diagnosis won't be confirmed until next week, recent doctor visits and test results indicate a severe health issue that she needs to take action on right away. Her white blood cell count is down. She has shortness of breath, a sore shoulder, limited use of her hand, a lump in her throat, and a history of cervical cancer. Her nerve test results conclude that the restricted use of her hand is not due to nerve damage. Rather, it is related to a deeper, more extensive issue. Unfortunately, the doctor has informed Vanessa that her symptoms all point to a rare form of Lung Cancer.

While Vanessa was given this awful, potentially life-threatening news almost two weeks ago, the doctor is leaving her waiting in suspense for the results until sometime next week. Regardless of the formal diagnosis, Vanessa has concerning symptoms that are impacting her health. She now faces a challenge she shouldn't face alone and needs our support more than ever.

Vanessa lives her life with incredible determination and grace. She dedicates herself to helping those who have fallen on hard times and continues to do so, even while experiencing her own health crisis.

Vanessa's impact on her community has been profound. In 2019, she founded Oceanside Homeless Resource, organizing monthly fairs that provided showers, haircuts, clothing, hygiene kits, and meals to the unhoused. During the pandemic, she secured donations to partner with motels, offering shelter to more than 350 people and helping 260 individuals transition to long-term housing. Her compassion and determination to bring hope and dignity to others have touched countless lives.

Now, Vanessa needs our help.

After receiving this life-changing news, Vanessa has made the deeply personal decision to seek alternative treatment methods. She wishes to begin holistic treatment options and integrative therapies right away, as she would prefer not to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. While offering a gentler approach, these treatments come with significant costs not covered by insurance.

We are raising funds to show our support for Vanessa and to help cover the expenses of these alternative therapies, medical bills, and any additional care she may require during this scary time. Her recovery is dependent on beginning treatment as soon as possible. Please consider contributing today. Vanessa believes in bringing kindness to every situation. She dedicates her life to showing up for others; now it's our turn to show up with kindness for her.

Every donation, big or small, will directly support Vanessa's healing journey and show our appreciation for her and everything she does for others. If you cannot contribute financially, please share this page with others and keep Vanessa in your thoughts and prayers as she navigates this challenging time.

Vanessa has taught us the power of compassion, hope, and community. By supporting her through this challenging time, we can demonstrate the same loving kindness she has shown so many.

Thank you for your generosity, love, and kindness. Anything we can do to help Vanessa feel less stressed and more loved is meaningful and appreciated.

Donate to GoFundMe or to Venmo at VanessaGraziano76

#SupportVanessa #CommunityForVanessa