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Two years have passed since Michelle’s diagnosis of Bile Duct Cancer. For most of two years, this girl has been struggling to stay afloat, in one way or another. She has come a long, long, way and thankfully, her cancer has not returned.
Because of Michelle’s family history of breast cancer, she was tested for the breast cancer gene. Michelle did test positive for the BRCA 1 gene. Having this gene greatly increases her chance of getting breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. As a result, she will be undergoing a full mastectomy on November 19th, followed by reconstruction surgery. She will also need a hysterectomy. The fight isn’t over quite yet. I think it’s important to share that with you so we can continue to support her in any way we can.
I am starting a new fundraising campaign for “Phase II” of Michelle’s fight against cancer, with the hope it will help her through this the next phase as much as it did that first year. The money we raised two years ago helped carry her through being off of work for the majority of the past two years. She truly could not have done it without you! In addition to the original fundraiser, she has exhausted all other resources, including emptying her retirement account and using all of her sick and vacation days. Time off for her following surgeries will be unpaid. As you can imagine, the financial impact can be devastating, especially on a single income- and while still trying to catch up after two years of lost income while she fought for her life against Bile Duct Cancer.
Over the past two years, Michelle has endured and overcome so much……..biopsies, numerous scans, endoscopies, colonoscopies, ultrasounds. Surgery to remove the cancer, 2/3 of the liver and gallbladder. Months of chemotherapy and radiation. Approximately two months of hospital stays combined for surgeries, complications, infections and various procedures. Stomach obstructions and a deep ulcer. Three PICC lines, 4 months with a feeding tube protruding from her abdomen with her primary source of food coming from a bag - along with her medications through her stomach tube. Months and months of pain, complications, weight loss, sleepless nights, no working, no driving and having to rely on others for help. To say Michelle has come a long way, feels like so much more than an understatement. Despite all of that (and then some), she is ALIVE, doing well, she’s optimistic, and the smallest of victories have been HUGE. There is SO MUCH to be thankful for!!!!!
With all of that said, this amazingly strong, independent, woman wants so badly to be able to do it all herself but she simply can’t. Reaching out for help is not an easy thing for any of us, so I am asking for your help. The outpouring of love and support you have shown along the way has been nothing short of amazing! Thank each and every one of you – not only for your donations, but for your friendship, prayers, cards, messages and visits to Michelle during some of her most difficult days. Together, we are her village and she needs us. Together, we hope to raise another $5,000 to $7,000 to help carry her through these next 3 surgeries.
Your donations will enable her to continue to pay her bills while she recovers. Every penny will be used for medical bills, medication and to help fill in the gap for her lost income. Your prayers and friendship surround her with love and give her strength and courage. TOGETHER, we give our amazing friend the opportunity to heal by lightening the load and allowing her to focus on the most important thing…getting healthy. TOGETHER, we are all a part of her fight and the difference you have made truly cannot be put into words. I believe that TOGETHER, we can do this one more time and help her beat this thing. If you want to help but can only contribute a small amount, it’s okay! Please keep in mind NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL. During the last fundraiser, a couple of friends mentioned being embarrassed to only give a small donation. Please, please, please don’t choose not to donate for that reason. You can contribute anonymously and securely through the link below- even from your cell phone. If you are a friend of Michelle's, please help us spread the word and simply click "SHARE" to post to your timeline. There may be others who don’t know Michelle who are touched by her story and want to help.
Thank you all for your continued support, prayers and friendship.
Because of Michelle’s family history of breast cancer, she was tested for the breast cancer gene. Michelle did test positive for the BRCA 1 gene. Having this gene greatly increases her chance of getting breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. As a result, she will be undergoing a full mastectomy on November 19th, followed by reconstruction surgery. She will also need a hysterectomy. The fight isn’t over quite yet. I think it’s important to share that with you so we can continue to support her in any way we can.
I am starting a new fundraising campaign for “Phase II” of Michelle’s fight against cancer, with the hope it will help her through this the next phase as much as it did that first year. The money we raised two years ago helped carry her through being off of work for the majority of the past two years. She truly could not have done it without you! In addition to the original fundraiser, she has exhausted all other resources, including emptying her retirement account and using all of her sick and vacation days. Time off for her following surgeries will be unpaid. As you can imagine, the financial impact can be devastating, especially on a single income- and while still trying to catch up after two years of lost income while she fought for her life against Bile Duct Cancer.
Over the past two years, Michelle has endured and overcome so much……..biopsies, numerous scans, endoscopies, colonoscopies, ultrasounds. Surgery to remove the cancer, 2/3 of the liver and gallbladder. Months of chemotherapy and radiation. Approximately two months of hospital stays combined for surgeries, complications, infections and various procedures. Stomach obstructions and a deep ulcer. Three PICC lines, 4 months with a feeding tube protruding from her abdomen with her primary source of food coming from a bag - along with her medications through her stomach tube. Months and months of pain, complications, weight loss, sleepless nights, no working, no driving and having to rely on others for help. To say Michelle has come a long way, feels like so much more than an understatement. Despite all of that (and then some), she is ALIVE, doing well, she’s optimistic, and the smallest of victories have been HUGE. There is SO MUCH to be thankful for!!!!!
With all of that said, this amazingly strong, independent, woman wants so badly to be able to do it all herself but she simply can’t. Reaching out for help is not an easy thing for any of us, so I am asking for your help. The outpouring of love and support you have shown along the way has been nothing short of amazing! Thank each and every one of you – not only for your donations, but for your friendship, prayers, cards, messages and visits to Michelle during some of her most difficult days. Together, we are her village and she needs us. Together, we hope to raise another $5,000 to $7,000 to help carry her through these next 3 surgeries.
Your donations will enable her to continue to pay her bills while she recovers. Every penny will be used for medical bills, medication and to help fill in the gap for her lost income. Your prayers and friendship surround her with love and give her strength and courage. TOGETHER, we give our amazing friend the opportunity to heal by lightening the load and allowing her to focus on the most important thing…getting healthy. TOGETHER, we are all a part of her fight and the difference you have made truly cannot be put into words. I believe that TOGETHER, we can do this one more time and help her beat this thing. If you want to help but can only contribute a small amount, it’s okay! Please keep in mind NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL. During the last fundraiser, a couple of friends mentioned being embarrassed to only give a small donation. Please, please, please don’t choose not to donate for that reason. You can contribute anonymously and securely through the link below- even from your cell phone. If you are a friend of Michelle's, please help us spread the word and simply click "SHARE" to post to your timeline. There may be others who don’t know Michelle who are touched by her story and want to help.
Thank you all for your continued support, prayers and friendship.