Support Tonja Gray

My name is Tonja Gray.  I grew up in southeast Washington DC.  I attended DC Public Schools.I have six children .I am the matriarch of my family.  I am a shift supervisor on my job   I lived a vibrant life until diagnosed with cancer. 

I was diagnosed with Soft Tissue Sarcoma an aggressive rare form of stomach cancer in April 2013.  I was no longer able to work for a year.  Co-workers from my job donated leave to me during that year to allow me to continue to get paid while unable to work.  My health continued to fail and I was unable to return to work at the end of that year.  My job allowed me to work limited hours in order to continue to receive some income.  Some days I was able to muster up energy to get to work and other days, my energy levels and pain wouldn’t allow me to even make it in to work.  I am often in severe pain.  The medications needed to just make me comfortable are very expensive.  .  My condition has now worsened and I am now unable to work at all.

I am currently undergoing an experimental treatment at National Institute of Health (NIH).  My treatment consists of three 5 day treatments with two week breaks between each.  With me being unable to work to support my family, I am asking for financial assistance to pay for medical bills and living expenses.    Any support you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Tonja Gray