Warriors in the fight with Michelle

Michelle was having some pain in her chest and trouble breathing a little over a year.  She assumed from past experiences that it was another bout of bronchitis or asthema.  After no relief from a couple of antibiotics, her doctor suggested she have an xray.  The xray showed her left lung full of fluid, and it was thought she might be suffering from pneumonia.  The doctors drained the fluid, and tested it, then our world turned up side down..... cancer, or as we like to call it, "stupid".  The cancer had originated from her ovary, and spread to her chest, where a tumor has implanted on her diaphram.

Michelle has a lot of living to do, and many people who depend on her.  Not only does  she have many kindergarten students who need her to teach them to read and write, but  two teenage boys, Jordan, who is 17 and will be a high school senior this year, and Nicholas, 15, who will be a high school junior this year.  She has a loving husband, Mont, who she has been married to for the past 22 years, a mother and father who love her dearly, and then there is me.... her little sister, who has always depended on her for guidance, friendship, and to be there during our golden years.  I always imagined us living near the beach and being the next generation of the "Golden Girls" one day. With her strong faith leadng her, Michelle has been fighting the fight of her life, and continues to fight for all those who need her. 

God has blessed her with a 9 month break from chemo where she has grown her hair back, been able to return to work, taken some wonderful vacations with friends and family, and played with dolphins.  She has watched her boys play basketball, and baseball, and  wakes up every day feeling strong, and appreciatating the little things most of us take for granted becuse we are healthy.  That being said, God has now told her it is time to get back in the fight, and hopefully rid her of "stupid" completley. 

The type of "stupid" Michelle has is not cureable, but can be managed, which means years and years of medicine, and scans, which means years and year of medical bills.  Also, as a woman, our hair is our identity in many ways and losing our hair during treatment is one of the most significant psychological effects of chemo and cancer.  Looking in the mirror and seeing someone who looks "sick" can be very depessing. There is a new technology called, cold caps ,(you can google it), that she hopes to try that may prevent her from losing her hair again.  It is rather expensive, but has had great results.

Michelle found her calling as a teacher, and as most know, people choose teaching as a profession because it's a calling, not for the pay.  Many have asked "How can I help?" Many have already helped in so many ways, from cooking meals, raising money at school, or most importantly providing moral support. Because this will be an ongoing financial burden to Michelle and her family, I have decided (against her wishes lol), to start this Gofundme account so those that want to  help, can provide financial assitance for medical bills, day to day living expenses, and the cold cap. 

Thank you to all of those who have helped whether it be financially, by sending meals, or with moral support and prayer.  Please continue to fight the battle with us so that we can when the war against "stupid".