Teaming Up for Terri

Who is this Go Fund Me page for:  Terri Boor, mom to Heather, Ashley and Meg; and grandma to 6 grandchildren.  She is a strong, independent woman, raising her three daughters as a single mom, still works a full-time job AND a part-time job to this day, and maintains a house all on her own…all while undergoing an aggressive chemo treatment for advanced cancer.  She defines what it means to be a fighter with great tenacity, strength, and determination.  She always has had that fighting spirit and no other time in her life has this been challenged more than this past year, upon the diagnosis of stage 4 cancer, Peritoneal Carcinomatosis (a rare cancer that developed as a result of appendix cancer that spread to her abdominal cavity).   Her medical story can be found in more detail at:  https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/terriboor

The Cause:   While in recent years, this was considered a terminal condition with a short survival rate, there have been advances that can prolong life and improve quality of life for these patients.  However, this involves an invasive procedure that is only available at certain major medical institutions.  This required her to travel to seek the opinions of four specialists traveling to Wake Forest-North Carolina, UPMC-Pittsburgh, and Mercy Medical and UMMC- both in Baltimore.  Since her cancer is aggressive, they recommended she start chemotherapy first to try to reduce the disease burden.  They were concerned she had too much disease to even perform the procedure.  She decided to move forward with the surgical oncologist in Pittsburgh. It is closest to home and yet, still an 8 hour drive from where she lives in Evansville, IN.  She had to travel back there to have a minor procedure done in order to determine if she was a candidate for the major surgery.  She was given the green light on that and it is scheduled for 7/24.  They call this the MOAS (Mother of All Surgeries) as it is an incredibly invasive surgery with a painfully long recovery. 

How the Money will be spent: To help Terri cover medical costs and travel expenses to receive needed cancer treatment.  While Terri still works over 50 hours a week with metastatic cancer, on top of having side effects from her intense chemotherapy, she will not be able to work after surgery for a few months.  She only has her income to support herself since she is single.  While she does have short term coverage, it only covers a portion of her pay and that will run out.  Also, medical bills continue to add up, even with insurance.  

Support during this challlenging and difficult time is greatly appreciated (big or small!) from all those who know and love Terri and the entire family.