Hi! My name is Maurina, and I am Valerie Reitzel's sister. Last fall, Val thought she had finally reached the point in her life where she could start living her dreams. At age 62, she decided to retire after 30+ years as an outstanding art teacher in the Brighton, MI area. She found a beautiful house (following countless years in an apartment) on an inland lake which had a huge art studio She finally would have the time to resume all of her art works. Her plans also included living 1/2 the year in Michigan and 1/2 the year out west. She had a thriving antique business in multiple locations. She was active in donating her time to womens' and childrens' causes. She was on top of the world! Then BAM, her world came crashing down. Only a few months into retirement, she was diagnosed with a very rare form of bone cancer called Chordoma. It grows in the spinal cord, either at the base of the neck or in the sacrum typically. Her tumor is in the base of her neck. After being misdiagnosed for years, the tumor had already invaded many areas of her head and throat, including many vessels and the carotid arteries. Two surgeries and many procedures have only somewhat eliminated the tumor. Much had to be left alone due to its location. Surgery also left her without the ability to swallow as well as other neurological complications. Chordoma is not curable; only manageable. Chemo is not effective. Surgery and radiation are the accepted treatment.

Val's surgeons at the University of Michigan recommended proton therapy as her most effective next step. But there are a very limited number of these facilities in the U. S. Initially, she was set up to have therapy at Beaumont Hospital in MI. But their machine went down and we found out that it would be months before she could get on their schedule. So, within a week's time, we had her accepted at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. Within another week, she was on a plane headed out west!!!

She has a LONG journey ahead of her. She had to quickly give up her lake house and her antique businesses, which brought her great sadness. Without having proper time to give notices , she lost a lot of money in the process. She ended up donating most of her her inventory . She had to find a place to rent in AZ and buy a car. She had to rent pods and hire drivers to get her household items and clothes out there. I don't list these things to elicit pity, only to share the enormous expenses she is and will be facing. She is a single lady so she doesn't have a significant other helping.

It kills me and my sibling that none of us could follow her to Arizona for support. But we hope to be able to help her with this account to face the mountain of medical bills which are already arriving, not to mention living expenses. Valerie has always been a most generous person, especially with her time and talents. I know it bothers her that we have to ask for help now, but she humbly has accepted that she doesn't know how she will stay afloat without some assistance. If you can afford to help, that would be graciously appreciated. No matter how small the amount.....every dollar will help. And if you are not able to donate at this time, would you be so kind as to share this message with your friends/family and please pray for Val's recovery.

Thanking you all from the bottom of our hearts,

God bless,

The Reitzel family

PS: Even though Val is a retired teacher, she can't totally stop teaching. If you are interested, go to her Facebook page (Valerie Reitzel). She has chosen to stay positive throughout this challenging journey and is posting videos as the Chordoma Kid to educate others regarding this monster of a disease as well as to inspire others experiencing life changing illness.