My name is Noreen and I'd like to tell you about my situation. Hopefully after you read my story  you'll help to assist me and my family.

Last April I noticed a small spot on my left big toe. I began treating it as a toe nail infection. Several months went by with no improvement so I finally decided I must need some stronger medicine to cure it.  After several visits to my Primary Care Physician, Wound Specialists, countless medicines tried,  and developing knots in my thigh,  my condition was finally diagnosed.  In September 2014 I was told I had Melanoma.

Within a month of my diagnosis my thigh knot was baseball size. My cancer Doctor scheduled surgery which was in November 2014.  My big toe had to be amputated along with and some lymph nodes in my thigh, lower abdomen and pelvic area.  My pathology results showed I was a Stage 3 Melanoma victim.

Unfortunately by the time I began my 1st cancer treatment drug therapy in January 2015 the number of tumors in my body had begun to move to other parts of my body.  I managed to get through 2 of the 3 therapies before I my cancer stage was upgraded to Stage 4.

Due to my upgraded "status" I was eligible for a new treatment drug that just became available about the time I was originally diagnosed. Since I'd managed to tolerate the 1st drug treatment my family and I decided to give the new drug a chance.

My body didn't respond to the new treatment and after just 2 therapy sessions I was told just last Friday that Hospice would be called in. There are no more treatments available for me. The drugs have only made my condition worse.

A little over a year has passed since my original toe spot appeared. Hard to believe that I'm now planning how  to leave behind my family, my friends, and my dogs.  Whether you  know me personally or not, I hope that you can put yourself in my shoes and understand the mounting medical expenses my family will be left with after I'm gone.

I have been unable to work since January. Due to my cancer diagnosis I wasn't able to sign up for disability insurance benefits  when my company's annual insurance enrollment came. I am not longer able to provide for my family in any way. I am on a Medical Leave of Absence from my employer so while I have my health insurance benefits I now am responsible to pay the full premiums.

While I hope that you will be kind enough to help my family financially I also am hoping that I have raised your awareness. Not only to how Melanoma can change your life so quickly  but to realize that life shouldn't be taken for granted.  

Thank you for reading my story.  I wish you a long and healthy life filled with love, happiness, and laughter.