Friends of Meryl Zigila Fund!!!
Donation protected
Never did anyone imagine as Meryl was attending school for her master’s in Occupational Therapy and working as a music therapist that she would develop cancer.
On March 10th, 2017, Meryl’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with stage IV tongue cancer. She underwent a surgery to remove 50% of her tongue. She endured reconstructive surgery that included a skin graft from her left thigh being placed on her forearm. Her forearm skin was then used to create a flap that functions as her new tongue.
On May 1st, 2017, Meryl started 6 weeks/30 sessions of radiation. Further, she required speech therapy sessions that were an important aspect of her recovery as she had to relearn how to pronounce words.
Unfortunately, due to new symptoms, she underwent surgery on February 9th where she was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer in a difficult spot on her right neck in-between her saliva gland and jaw.
This finding involved potential impacts to major facial nerves (which included never talking or eating again). Meryl and Brett chose to get a second opinion at one of the top cancer hospitals in the world, MD Anderson in Houston, TX.
Unfortunately, the recurrence of cancer that has spread to her lungs has caused her University of Miami care team to recommend treatment at MD Anderson. They currently have a clinical trial that involves new immunotherapy treatment. The best option to save Meryl’s life involves traveling to MD Anderson every two weeks for treatment where she will receive experimental chemotherapy.
For Meryl to be a part of this trail she needs your help!
Meryl needs assistance for the following reasons:
Medical bills/Pharmacy expenses
Since January, Meryl has been completing a full-time, unpaid, Occupational Therapy Internship
Brett is completing his master’s in Health Care administration at FIU and they both have monthly student loans.
Meryl’s inability to work during treatment
Travel expenses to and from Houston
Meryl and Brett will be paying for living expenses in Houston and in Fort Lauderdale
Meryl will not be able to return to work until she has fully recovered post treatment
Thank you for taking the time to read this story. This will be a challenging and extremely difficult road ahead, but wonderful support keeps her going strong!
On March 10th, 2017, Meryl’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with stage IV tongue cancer. She underwent a surgery to remove 50% of her tongue. She endured reconstructive surgery that included a skin graft from her left thigh being placed on her forearm. Her forearm skin was then used to create a flap that functions as her new tongue.
On May 1st, 2017, Meryl started 6 weeks/30 sessions of radiation. Further, she required speech therapy sessions that were an important aspect of her recovery as she had to relearn how to pronounce words.
Unfortunately, due to new symptoms, she underwent surgery on February 9th where she was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer in a difficult spot on her right neck in-between her saliva gland and jaw.
This finding involved potential impacts to major facial nerves (which included never talking or eating again). Meryl and Brett chose to get a second opinion at one of the top cancer hospitals in the world, MD Anderson in Houston, TX.
Unfortunately, the recurrence of cancer that has spread to her lungs has caused her University of Miami care team to recommend treatment at MD Anderson. They currently have a clinical trial that involves new immunotherapy treatment. The best option to save Meryl’s life involves traveling to MD Anderson every two weeks for treatment where she will receive experimental chemotherapy.
For Meryl to be a part of this trail she needs your help!
Meryl needs assistance for the following reasons:
Medical bills/Pharmacy expenses
Since January, Meryl has been completing a full-time, unpaid, Occupational Therapy Internship
Brett is completing his master’s in Health Care administration at FIU and they both have monthly student loans.
Meryl’s inability to work during treatment
Travel expenses to and from Houston
Meryl and Brett will be paying for living expenses in Houston and in Fort Lauderdale
Meryl will not be able to return to work until she has fully recovered post treatment
Thank you for taking the time to read this story. This will be a challenging and extremely difficult road ahead, but wonderful support keeps her going strong!
Organizer and beneficiary
Brandon Prill
Organizer
Denton, TX
Meryl Zigila
Beneficiary
