Valerie's Cancer Fund
Donation protected
Breast Cancer – I have always contributed to this cause, as it is so important to recognize this disease and how many women it affects. I have donated time, money and Tupperware products over the years in support.
I signed up for this year’s - Race for the Cure walk, scheduled on Jan 27th; and little did I know that a few weeks later I would be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Just a few days after Thanksgiving!
WOW!
What a wakeup call! You think it will never happen to you, or someone you love. Now I am changed, I am now a breast cancer survivor!
I went for a mammogram, then a sonogram, then an MRI, and then a biopsy. I was told 85% of these tests come out benign, but unfortunately, I was in the 15% that needed to be told I have Breast Cancer.
Those are some scary words to hear, and process.
Then you have to go through the motions, making an appointment with a Breast Surgeon. Getting prepared for surgery! I am one of the lucky ones. We found it so early on that I was able to have a Lumpectomy, which will be followed by radiation treatment, and I possibly will not need chemo!
We acted quickly! And I am still in shock!
Financially this is a pretty big blow, even with insurance, as so far my costs, after insurance exceed $5,000.00 and that is not including the radiation.
Also lost wages, as I have applied for FMLA, and short term disability, the short term disability does not kick in for two weeks, and then 50% pay after that, which means if I am out a month, I will receive the equivalent of one weeks pay.
Since this is happening during the Holidays, this effects the treatments and radiation schedule, as doctors offices are closed for the holidays, so my radiation treatment will be longer, and I will have a catheter in for the radiation longer. Of course, it goes without saying; this has affected our Holiday in ways we were not expecting, but I am happy to say I have a good prognosis!
Let's all come together and help our good friend out, she would do it for us.
I signed up for this year’s - Race for the Cure walk, scheduled on Jan 27th; and little did I know that a few weeks later I would be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Just a few days after Thanksgiving!
WOW!
What a wakeup call! You think it will never happen to you, or someone you love. Now I am changed, I am now a breast cancer survivor!
I went for a mammogram, then a sonogram, then an MRI, and then a biopsy. I was told 85% of these tests come out benign, but unfortunately, I was in the 15% that needed to be told I have Breast Cancer.
Those are some scary words to hear, and process.
Then you have to go through the motions, making an appointment with a Breast Surgeon. Getting prepared for surgery! I am one of the lucky ones. We found it so early on that I was able to have a Lumpectomy, which will be followed by radiation treatment, and I possibly will not need chemo!
We acted quickly! And I am still in shock!
Financially this is a pretty big blow, even with insurance, as so far my costs, after insurance exceed $5,000.00 and that is not including the radiation.
Also lost wages, as I have applied for FMLA, and short term disability, the short term disability does not kick in for two weeks, and then 50% pay after that, which means if I am out a month, I will receive the equivalent of one weeks pay.
Since this is happening during the Holidays, this effects the treatments and radiation schedule, as doctors offices are closed for the holidays, so my radiation treatment will be longer, and I will have a catheter in for the radiation longer. Of course, it goes without saying; this has affected our Holiday in ways we were not expecting, but I am happy to say I have a good prognosis!
Let's all come together and help our good friend out, she would do it for us.
Organizer and beneficiary
Cherie Rene
Organizer
Lake Worth, FL
Valerie Barone
Beneficiary
