Gabi SMASHes Cancer
Donation protected
This story is about my beautiful sister-in-law Gabi. She and my brother Matt met while Matt was enlisted in the Marine Corps. After Matt retired they moved to Buffalo and stayed for a couple years until they decided it was time to move out to California where Gabi is from. They packed up their stuff, their lives, and their puppy Ganicus and made the trip across country to be closer to Gabi's family. They got married in April 2016 at a beautiful farm with all of their family and friends surrounding them.
Matt and Gabi are the true example of a happy, strong couple. They will do anything for one another, and it saddens my heart deeply to hear my brother call me and tell my that his wife has been diagnosed with late stage 3 breast cancer and he wishes he could take her place so he doesn't have to see her go through this. This is true love.
Gabi has been diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer which is very aggressive called Triple Negative invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3. Stage IIIC. BRCA 1 & 2 negative. She recently after completing 6 months of chemotherapy had a mastectomy on her left breast on July 27, 2018. During the surgery they found that her tumor was 9 times what they originally thought and therefore had to take out 53 lymph nodes instead of the 5 planned.
*UPDATE: 9/2018* Gabi’s cancer has now progressed to Stage 4. She is staying strong and positive throughout this terrible ordeal. She is currently receiving radiation therapy and her second round of chemo.
Both Matt and Gabi are trying to stay positive and strong but they have a long and stressful road ahead of them. This road will consist of many medical bills, thankfully Matt has health insurance but this will NOT cover a lot of things and as the SOLE income provider for them at this time because of her health we are asking for your help. They are currently looking to get her in a specific medication but it’s a constant battle with the insurance company.
***UPDATE 4/12/19***
Gabi’s cancer spread from her breast into her lungs, and bones and finally to her brain. This disease is nasty and her and Matt did everything they possibly could to help her fight this, including making the decision to go to Mexico for treatment. The treatment in Mexico was all out of pocket, not a single thing covered by the insurance but it didn’t matter because they had hope. Gabi stayed in Mexico with Matt of course by her side the entire time. They had some positive outcomes but still had an uphill battle to fight. Gabi came home from Mexico and was in and out of the hospital multiple times due to fevers and pain. Her body slowly began to lose its fight.
Many of us got the calls and texts to come and say our final goodbyes within weeks of her coming home from Mexico.
As many of you know Gabi lost her battle to breast cancer yesterday 4/11/19. She fought so hard, always had hope and never gave up, but unfortunately this disease took her away. Matt is now left with the heartache of losing his best friend and wife but also the financial stress of paying off the debt due to the endless treatment she received.
If you can find it in your heart to donate once again or donate for the first time I know he would truly be appreciative. Any amount makes a difference.
Thank you for all your generosity
Matt and Gabi are the true example of a happy, strong couple. They will do anything for one another, and it saddens my heart deeply to hear my brother call me and tell my that his wife has been diagnosed with late stage 3 breast cancer and he wishes he could take her place so he doesn't have to see her go through this. This is true love.
Gabi has been diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer which is very aggressive called Triple Negative invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3. Stage IIIC. BRCA 1 & 2 negative. She recently after completing 6 months of chemotherapy had a mastectomy on her left breast on July 27, 2018. During the surgery they found that her tumor was 9 times what they originally thought and therefore had to take out 53 lymph nodes instead of the 5 planned.
*UPDATE: 9/2018* Gabi’s cancer has now progressed to Stage 4. She is staying strong and positive throughout this terrible ordeal. She is currently receiving radiation therapy and her second round of chemo.
Both Matt and Gabi are trying to stay positive and strong but they have a long and stressful road ahead of them. This road will consist of many medical bills, thankfully Matt has health insurance but this will NOT cover a lot of things and as the SOLE income provider for them at this time because of her health we are asking for your help. They are currently looking to get her in a specific medication but it’s a constant battle with the insurance company.
***UPDATE 4/12/19***
Gabi’s cancer spread from her breast into her lungs, and bones and finally to her brain. This disease is nasty and her and Matt did everything they possibly could to help her fight this, including making the decision to go to Mexico for treatment. The treatment in Mexico was all out of pocket, not a single thing covered by the insurance but it didn’t matter because they had hope. Gabi stayed in Mexico with Matt of course by her side the entire time. They had some positive outcomes but still had an uphill battle to fight. Gabi came home from Mexico and was in and out of the hospital multiple times due to fevers and pain. Her body slowly began to lose its fight.
Many of us got the calls and texts to come and say our final goodbyes within weeks of her coming home from Mexico.
As many of you know Gabi lost her battle to breast cancer yesterday 4/11/19. She fought so hard, always had hope and never gave up, but unfortunately this disease took her away. Matt is now left with the heartache of losing his best friend and wife but also the financial stress of paying off the debt due to the endless treatment she received.
If you can find it in your heart to donate once again or donate for the first time I know he would truly be appreciative. Any amount makes a difference.
Thank you for all your generosity
Organizer
Natalie Benz
Organizer
Tonawanda, NY
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