Standing by Staci - fighting cancer

Because of them!  One look at these adorable little boys and you can see why we would be raising money to help Staci (Borths) Belanger and her family fight this battle.  On May 3, 2018, Staci was diagnosed with small-cell carcinoma of the ovary-hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT).  A complicated way of saying an extremely rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer.  So rare in fact that she was seen by a variety of doctors with limited (if any) experience treating this type of ovarian cancer all with different treatment recommendations and nothing matching the research. 
 
After discovering a lump in her abdomen, Staci's amazing OB/GYN listened to her symptoms, completed tests and acted quickly.  All signs pointed to this being a simple laparoscopic procedure and a quick recovery.  On April 16, Staci had a total hysterectomy and the removal of the large 15 cm tumor along with her right ovary and fallopian tubes (to reduce future risk of ovarian cancer).  During the removal, the tumor ruptured.  Pathology findings indicated the tumor was SCCOHT.  After extensive research and no set protocol or consensus on how to treat this type of cancer, Staci and her husband, Joe reached out to various doctors involved in the limited research and treatment of this rare disease.  They had a consultation appointment in Cincinnati to build her team and discuss her treatment.  

Staci is working with some of  the BEST doctors in the country, familiar with treating this rare type of cancer.  She will begin her aggressive 6 drug, 6 cycle chemotherapy (VPBCAE) treatment this week at Cincinnati Children's Hospital (her oncologist there treats patient up to 40 years of age).  It is the opinion of Staci's team of doctors that consolidative chemotherapy with high dose alkylator therapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue would provide Staci with the greatest opportunity for long term survival.  They are confident in their treatment strategy and so are Staci and Joe! 

I know everyone reading this can either imagine, or attest to what a difficult challenge this is going to be for Staci....but WE also know how strong she is.  Staci is an incredibly loving, caring, and dedicated mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.  She is NOT alone.  She has an amazing support group of family and friends, and a full-time comedian in her husband Joe to be by her side.  I know that so many people out there want to help her through this and are willing to do whatever they can to make this a little easier for her and her amazing family.  I can't imagine the stress that she and Joe are feeling, but I want to try to ease it just a little.

I hope that you will join me in helping Staci, Joe and their boys through this incredibly challenging time.  It's hard to find just the right way to help. However, I believe that donations to help them with medical treatments, medications, travel to and from Metro Detroit to Cincinnati, lodging while in Cincinnati, child care, etc. are a great way to show support and relieve some of the financial burden that will come their way for Staci to get the best treatment available.

Please note - whatever funds raised that are not needed/used will be donated to the Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Foundation (www.smallcellovarian.org).  This beautiful organziation is what gave Staci and Joe the support and resources to find her amazing team of doctors in Cincinnati and give them the hope of a cure.