I have never wanted to share a story so badly, that it truly hurts to tell.  When I think of all the women in my life, the word that comes to mind is STRENGTH.      
           
Shirley Dungo, a friend from our parish, The Immaculate Conception in Old Town, San Diego, is needing our help.  In 2015 she was re-diagnosed with breast and now, also ovarian cancer… mind you, re-diagnosed.  It’s now metastatic.  When she was 26 she had a lumpectomy along with radiation treatments on her left breast with an “all clear”, you won’t get cancer on the right side. (The song, “Jive Talking” is totally playing in the background as I type this part, SWEAR to my stinky dog!).          
           
In these 3 years since she picked up this CROSS given to her by God, she decided a fight for life is much better than waiting for death. (I know I catch myself bitchin’ about how bad my life is, right? Kind of like, waiting for death?)  At the time of this 2nd diagnosis, she had NO INSURANCE.  Then came her reality, how do how do I pay to live?           
           
She is not only brave, she was truly resourceful during her first surgeries, and chemo treatments.  Although, I didn’t really understand the devastation this was to your system already… I never imagined the added stress to have to afford this without help. Really, literally, no help. (Fire Sale, Sell House, Car Sale… tap out 401-K…)        
           
So, I see this beautiful woman in mass one day and say to my husband, she’s like a porcelain doll, the kind my mom would collect. After mass, he tells me that beautiful woman is fighting Stage Four Cancer.  It was in her presence, the way she carried herself, I saw and felt her strength.         
           
There is a calling one hears when quiet.  A whisper in your heart that echoes in your head. Someone is in need.  Either a hug, a smile, or a ride.  Right now, once it was just a wisp of sound, but now a roar is rising.  Our friend needs help to continue the fight to live.  Nothing is a coincidence.  There is a purpose for everything happening right this moment in our lives.  I believe with my whole heart, if your reading this, it is no coincidence.        
           
Please help us, help Shirley continue her fight for life, against cancer.  She currently takes a study treatment across the country, but when the need arises, she HAS to receive the treatment here in San Diego.  FULL COST TO HER. The need is now.  Her “numbers” are low and has been unadvised to travel. At a cost of $19,000. just for the infusion alone, (not to mention how much a band-aid costs, let alone any added lab work.) needed in full before her appointment Nov. 1st. Time is of the essence.
 
She has already saved up $10,000. of this already ridiculous amount for the medication she needs to stay alive until her next scheduled round. What materialistic worldly things she had, which would bring in any money has already been sold. Please… any amount will help us to reach this goal.
 
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Matthew 7:7
           
Thank you, and God Bless you.  I can’t express enough, our gratitude to Shirley for allowing us to help her by sharing her story.