Our Beloved Auntie Facing Surgery
Donation protected
My Auntie Iris R. is one of the kindest people that I have come across in my lifetime. When her parents were gravely ill she nursed each one with all the strength she had until they sadly passed away. If that were not enough, when my mother was unexpectedley diagnosed with primary liver cancer at the age of 49 I had 3 very young children and was expecting my 4th child that June. I called my Auntie Iris and asked if she could drop everything and help me in comforting and nursing my Mom and so she did and cared for her with the determination that even a team of nurses could not match. My mother defied the prediction that she would only live for a mere 6 weeks. Instead she survived for 7 more months and was happy to welcome 2 more grand- children during that time. This I believe was due to the spirit and happiness that my Auntie provided for her during those 7 months. Most of all she enjoyed my Auntie Iris as she did when they were just children, It was not only a devastating loss for me and my brother but for my Auntie Iris as well. It doesn't end here. Eleven years later I found myself in the same situation as my mother had been. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and would need to travel to Denver, CO for treatment. At that time I had 5 children ages 4 through 14. I did not know what to do. I knew my husband would care for the children but who could care for me for the weeks that I would be in Denver. Of course my Auntie stepped up to the plate without hesitation and flew to Denver to oversee my care. Thanks to Gd I did well.
Over the next few years my Auntie Iris managed to overcome many serious illnesses of her own. Two years ago she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer as well and most recently has been diagnosed with Basal Carcinoma on her face including her nose and cheeks. It is still unknown how deeply the cancer has infiltrated below the surface of the skin. It requires the carving and removal of sections of her nose and cheeks.
It was hard enough for her that her Medicare Supplement plan did not cover the chemo and radiation that was necessary to manage her incidence of breast cancer. Her Medicare plan is not the best but is all that she can afford. She has not been able to work for many years due to Congestive Heart Failure and that she is a ripe old age of 79 yrs. She lives solely on Social Security which barely covers her rent, food and other bills. At this point she is bedridden for approximately 90 percent of her day which has contributed to her feelings of depression due to loss of almost all of her independence. She said and I quote, "I will not allow anyone to cut away my face. It's all have left. How would I ever have the money to pay for plastic surgery when the surgeons finish deforming my face...I would rather die of the cancer symptoms than to have people see me with a disfigured face...I have to look at myself in the mirror".
How can we allow this special person who cared for so many people even during the time when she was battling her own challenges to not have the treatment that she needs? She is selfless and would give everyone that she loves and even strangers whatever is needed to survive and thrive. Now it is her dark hours and I call upon my friends, neighbors, and relatives who know this special person. We cannot just stand by and watch her fade away because she couldnt get the assistance that she so sorely needs. I appeal to your hearts and ask that you stretch as far as you can to help this kind soul as I will do too.
Please, please pitch in and help as much as you can.
I will be forever grateful for every dollar that is received on her behalf that will contribute to her health and well-being. Thank you for listening.
Auntie Iris' loving niece,
Leah Teller
Over the next few years my Auntie Iris managed to overcome many serious illnesses of her own. Two years ago she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer as well and most recently has been diagnosed with Basal Carcinoma on her face including her nose and cheeks. It is still unknown how deeply the cancer has infiltrated below the surface of the skin. It requires the carving and removal of sections of her nose and cheeks.
It was hard enough for her that her Medicare Supplement plan did not cover the chemo and radiation that was necessary to manage her incidence of breast cancer. Her Medicare plan is not the best but is all that she can afford. She has not been able to work for many years due to Congestive Heart Failure and that she is a ripe old age of 79 yrs. She lives solely on Social Security which barely covers her rent, food and other bills. At this point she is bedridden for approximately 90 percent of her day which has contributed to her feelings of depression due to loss of almost all of her independence. She said and I quote, "I will not allow anyone to cut away my face. It's all have left. How would I ever have the money to pay for plastic surgery when the surgeons finish deforming my face...I would rather die of the cancer symptoms than to have people see me with a disfigured face...I have to look at myself in the mirror".
How can we allow this special person who cared for so many people even during the time when she was battling her own challenges to not have the treatment that she needs? She is selfless and would give everyone that she loves and even strangers whatever is needed to survive and thrive. Now it is her dark hours and I call upon my friends, neighbors, and relatives who know this special person. We cannot just stand by and watch her fade away because she couldnt get the assistance that she so sorely needs. I appeal to your hearts and ask that you stretch as far as you can to help this kind soul as I will do too.
Please, please pitch in and help as much as you can.
I will be forever grateful for every dollar that is received on her behalf that will contribute to her health and well-being. Thank you for listening.
Auntie Iris' loving niece,
Leah Teller
Organizer
Leah Teller
Organizer
Spring Valley, NY
