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SUSAN MASSIAH’S JOURNEY

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SUSAN MASSIAH’S JOURNEY

Susan Massiah is a divorced mother of three children. Her youngest child recently graduated from high school and is now in her second year of college, as a Physics major. It was challenging for her to raise three children as a single parent. But, her sacrifices have paid off. Her son is in his third year at a prestigious college out of the state and her eldest daughter is employed in yet another state. Although she is quite diminutive Susan is very energetic, highly disciplined, and very spiritual. She is very health conscientious, and exemplifies class and dignity. A native of Trinidad, Susan has always been given to hospitality and she is a person who you can count on to help you during your time of need. We have often witnessed Susan’s strict adherence to a variety dietary regimens, although she has always maintained a slim physique. She is an extremely upbeat person with a radiant smile who was considering going to divinity school in the future. The lyrics of her favorite song, Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Three Little Birds, says Don’t You Worry About a Thing, Cause Every Little Thing is Going to Be Alright.

Susan obtained a job as a phlebotomist at the Quest Diagnostic Center in March 2017. Life often throws us a curve in the most unlikely times. At a time when she should be celebrating her triumphs as a parent, Susan discovered that she was suffering from a life threatening illness. She learned of her condition quite by coincidence in early July of 2017, although her prolonged cold symptoms and profound weight loss during December 2016 might have been an indication of an underlying condition. Susan believed that she had experienced food poisoning as a result of dining at a local restaurant. This sickness lingered and she experienced similar symptoms even after eating food that she prepared at home. So, Susan sought medical attention. The results of her blood work indicated that her platelets and hemoglobin were at abnormal levels. After being hospitalized for seven days she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in her bone marrow. We had hoped that she had contracted a less serious condition that could be remedied quickly. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Susan was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma. Multiple Myeloma is a rare cancer that develops in plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that recognizes and fights off germs and infections. Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma is the terminal or the most advanced stage of this rare cancer. The objective of the treatment for Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma is to reduce the patient's discomfort. Treatment may also stabilize the cancer and slow the progress of its growth. The average survival rate for Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma is twenty-nine months. But, medical advances are increasing the survival rates. Factors such as age, cell growth rate, and kidney function may also influence one’s survival rate.

Susan presently experiences debilitating symptoms such as excruciating bone pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. She also suffers from weakness and numbness of the legs. Additionally, she requires frequent blood transfusions as a result of her abnormally low hemoglobin and platelet counts, which are indicative of the condition.  Susan is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments to eradicate the cancer cells. Susan’s first chemotherapy treatment was complicated by an infection. Subsequently, her chemotherapy treatments had to be interrupted for the remainder of the week.

Susan is now building strength for her chemotherapy treatments next week. She has to build her strength because the initial treatments are very intense, to ensure of their effectiveness in removing the cancer cells. She is now engaged in the fight of her life combating the Multiple Myeloma. Consequently, Susan is not able to perform the duties of her job as a phlebotomist. The medical expenses continue to mount and her monthly bills continue to come in. Everyone comes to a point sooner or later in their lives when they are not able to fend for themselves. This is Susan Massiah’s time of need. I appeal to you as family, friends, and concerned citizens to contribute whatever you can to support Susan as she negotiates the challenging road ahead. The proceeds that she receives will be used to pay for her medical care and provide funds for her living expenses while she is unable to work. We thank you in advance for your support. Contributions of any denomination are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Kirk Edwards


 

 

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Donations 

  • Hazel Richardson
    • $200 
    • 6 yrs
  • Sue Dery
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Kirk Edwards
Organizer
Groton, CT
Susan Massiah
Beneficiary

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