Noreen Needs Support

Let’s rally and come together to support our friend Noreen and her husband of 20 years, Brian.  Noreen was diagnosed in January 2012 with bilateral breast cancer.  Unfortunately in one of them she has triple negative breast cancer.  It was a devastating diagnosis at the age of 45.  That February, she had a lumpectomy to remove the tumors and began four months of grueling chemo & 30 rounds of radiation.

All the while, working a job she loved at a private school.  Noreen’s wicked course of treatment paid off … she was cancer free...but only for two years. 

 In February 2014, Noreen wasn’t feeling well and returned to the doctor.  The news was grim.  The cancer had returned.  The malignant tumors spread to her lungs and vertebrae.  Doctors conducted genetic testing and determined that Noreen had BRCA1 mutation aka “the cancer gene” and there is no known cure.  

 This began the never ending quest for the cure….one and half years of clinical trials including one at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.  The medical bills will continue to mount ….“experimental” treatments are not covered fully by insurance and neither is the added travel cost and lost time from work for both Noreen & Brian.   Again, during this very challenging time, Noreen continued to work,  volunteer and participates in activities with family and friends as she could.  Her attitude has always been optimistic in spite of some very dark times.  Even with the best care from a leading cancer institute, the love and support of Brian, family and friends and Noreen’s will & determination to beat it…the treatment wasn’t successful…the cancer is progressing at a fast rate.  At 49, Noreen’s disease state is Stage IV.  She’s on oxygen, pain management and still aims to go to work when up to it for a few hours. 

 Over the past three and half years, as he done the previous 20 years, Brian has stood tall by Noreen’s side. Whether it’s many trips to doctors/hospitals, backfilling to keep the pets & house running or holding her as she came to terms with this unbearable diagnosis, Brian has been Noreen’s rock.  In the darkest of days, Brian was there to ensure meds were taken,  meals were made and medical protocols were being followed to the letter.  He also served as the catalyst to get Noreen out to visit friends, go for a drive, find moments of humor and try to normalize an unreal nightmare.  At the same time, Brian himself is hurting.  He’s watching the love of life fight for a breath, agonize through treatments but yet cherishes each and every minute they have together.  Brian also needs our love and support.  She has also been lucky enough to have the never ending support and love of her family and friends.  They are not giving up on her and have stood by her side through it all.  She is so great for what everyone has been and is doing for her.     

 Who is this beautiful woman you ask?  Noreen is as close to Dr. Doolittle as you can be.  All animals flock to her for comfort, care or just some loving.  Over the years, she’s volunteered in a very difficult shelter with limited resources caring for senior dogs.  To others they were throw away dogs but not to Noreen.  Faithfully, she volunteered weekly at the shelter providing care, cleaning kennels and showing these poor souls unconditional love.  Not only did she give of her time, but Noreen never showed up empty handed.   With each visit, came treats (and not inexpensive ones) for the dogs to enjoy and use to earn their trust.  There’s never any question…if an animal needs something, they will find a way to make it happen.   Often times, this meant making sacrifices themselves so the animals benefit. 

 As a result of time off for hospitalizations and treatments, wages have been limited for both Noreen & Brian.  This fund will help alleviate the burden of soaring medical bills (unpaid by insurance or large dollar cost sharing in coinsurance & copayments) and provide Brian the means to continue to stand by Noreen’s side in her time of need.  Unfortunately, Noreen’s life insurance benefit is very low and will not adequately cover these expenses.  Her wish is to clear all the debt related to her care enabling Brian not to carry the financial burden going forward. 

Any and all funds raised will be dispersed accordingly. 

Noreen and Brian have been there for all of us.  They are first to offer to help a person or animal out.  Now it’s our time to repay their kindness, generous spirit and friendship in a meaningful way.  Even a small donation will go a long way.  Let’s grant Noreen’s wish.  Thank you for your consideration.