Hello friends and family.

You have all been so supportive and we are so incredibly grateful.

Here is the short version of an update of news from the end of 2023:

We found out last week that Karen’s cancer has progressed. Also we found out she was denied financial disability help from social security. So it looks like we will need your help again if you are able. We have started a new Go-Fund-Me and will share it here. If you are in the position to help, we would really appreciate it.

Here is the longer version if you are interested:

It’s been quite a big year-and-a-half for us. Karen was diagnosed with stage 3 clear cell non HPV cervical cancer in July 2022. After major surgery in July followed by chemotherapy (9 rounds of 3 types of treatments) and almost 6 weeks of radiation- 5 days a week, followed by a single type of chemo every 3 weeks (ongoing) she had some good progress of shrinking the cancer that was unable to be removed surgically. There are a lot of side effects from the treatment that are still affecting her. But lately she has felt a bit better. January 1, 2024, we went on a New Year’s Day walk in the park which is not something that she was able to do 6 months ago.

Unfortunately, this week we found out the cancer has now spread and grown and she is waiting for a new course of action from a second oncologists this next week.

The previous go fund me sustained us for over a year and half. But now that unemployment has since ended and they have denied Karen’s claim for disability, it could be some time to appeal the claim. We are grateful that Aphrodite has a steady (and understanding) full time job at UUCSR, but it isn’t enough to support all the bills, rent and utilities for us both. Until she can get the permanent disability approved, we could use your help if you are in the position to help financially.

We will also start a meal train for once a week meal help for anyone who is interested in helping that way.

Again we are so grateful for all the support we have had throughout this journey and literally couldn’t have done it without you all.

Much gratitude and love,

~Aphrodite & Karen