Lisa's medical fund
Donation protected
My Journey Back to Health
Hi, I'm Lisa and I'm 48 years young. I have a passion for the outdoors, and I love hiking, biking, sailing, farmer's markets, and long walks in the forest preserves. The last few months have been incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. Although I'm terrified of what my future may hold I know that I can't get through this alone.
This is my story:
I felt a lump in my lower stomach and scheduled an appointment with my gynecologist. An ultrasound confirmed that I had a solid/cystic mass that was likely of ovarian origin. I was referred to Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. Gustavo Rodriguez and had multiple tests, including an MRI. In the six weeks between the ultra sound and the MRI, the mass had grown 50% larger. On October 18th, I had surgery to remove the tumor, along with my right ovary and Fallopian tube. The tumor was massive, the size of a full term fetus, weighing 8.5 pounds. On October 25th, the pathology report came back and I was told that my greatest fear had come true, and I heard those most dreaded words "You have cancer". My final diagnosis is Well Differentiated Mucinous Adenocarcinoma.
The prognosis for Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary is poor despite treatment. This kind of ovarian tumor is also known to have a high recurrence rate, even after its surgical removal and chemotherapy. The survival rate past 5 years is only about 1/3. I don't want only 5 more years! I want to live a long, happy life without the fear that my cancer is going to come back and possibly be terminal.
Since learning about my diagnosis, I've been faced with making some very difficult choices. While chemotherapy is recommended for many types of cancer, the latest medical data shows no conclusive evidence that undergoing chemotherapy will help me cure my specific type of cancer. I have done extensive research, I have met with incredible doctors, all in an effort to learn as much as possible from the medical world. I've also done a lot of introspection to help guide me in choosing the best possible way forward for ME. I say ME in capitals because despite my wonderful friends and family, and you have all been incredibly supportive, kind, generous and amazing. I love you all and I realize I absolutely could not do this alone. But, ultimately this comes down to ME alone, MY disease, MY choice, My fight and MY life.
My Road to Recovery
After months of research, phone calls, emails, and meetings with doctor's, I decided to submit my application for treatment at the Gerson Institute in Mexico. This week, I learned that I've been accepted for the alternative cancer treatment program.
According to the Gerson Institute; "Degenerative diseases render the body increasingly unable to excrete waste materials adequately, commonly resulting in liver and kidney failure. The Gerson Therapy uses intensive detoxification to eliminate wastes, regenerate the liver, reactivate the immune system and restore the body's essential defenses enzyme, mineral, and hormone systems. With generous, high-quality nutrition, increased oxygen availability, detoxification, and improved metabolism, the cells and the body can regenerate, become healthy and prevent future illness."
Want to learn more? Please check out the Gerson Institute web site, or watch The Gerson Miracle on YouTube or Netflix.
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not cover this type of alternative cancer treatment. The initial treatment in Mexico, is three, weeks and they recommend continuing the program at home for a minimum of two years.
My Financial Situation
I have worked for Neiman Marcus for 14 years as a make up artist/business manager. I love what I do! It gives me great pleasure and pride to help my clients celebrate some of life's milestones from weddings, to prom and graduations, and feel beautiful and confident about how they look. I have also donated my time and skills to help many women of the community: sick, healthy, old, and young that needed a little pick me up with the transformative powers of make-up.
I had to stop working prior to surgery because of the pain, nightly fevers, extreme nausea, and my overall state of illness. I have been collecting short term disability which is approximately half of my regular pay and it is scheduled to run out in two weeks. At this point, I'm not physically capable of going back to work ,yet. My weight has significantly dropped, and I feel fatigued all the time. I need time to treat and beat this cancer. If I don't return to work, I will be left destitute, unable to pay for my rent, my health insurance, or any of the basic necessities like food and electricity.
The Help I Need
It's incredibly humbling being in a position where you need the help of friends, relatives, colleagues, and even strangers to get the medical treatment needed to survive! It is a great privilege to have the support of many loving friends and family members. My parents and only brother live out of state, they face their own health concerns, and I can't burden them further financially. I realize the limits of what my closest friends and family are able to give. Although this diagnosis has completely turned my life upside down, it has also shown me an amazing gift, the gift of asking for what I need. I never thought in a million years I would find myself in this position. I consider myself health conscious, even progressive, a healthy eater, physically active, and fit. My friends have offered to organize a fundraiser, but I think it's important that this comes from me.
My goal is to raise the funds necessary to allow me to go to the Gerson Clinic, to continue my healing process, and then to be able to afford to continue the treatment at home for two years. The cost of the in-patient therapy is $16,000, plus travel costs and out-patient care is $3000 a month, plus $3,000 for mandatory supplies; totalling $91,000 for two years of minimum protocol. (The cost of living and bills, have not been included in this total).
Please, I'm asking for your help.
Your support means so much to me and you are truly making a difference in my life! Thank you for anything you do to contribute. I appreciate any financial donation you make or if you can just share my story with your friends. I know with your support, prayers, and well wishes, I can get through this.
Thank you!
With love and gratitude,
Lisa
Hi, I'm Lisa and I'm 48 years young. I have a passion for the outdoors, and I love hiking, biking, sailing, farmer's markets, and long walks in the forest preserves. The last few months have been incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. Although I'm terrified of what my future may hold I know that I can't get through this alone.
This is my story:
I felt a lump in my lower stomach and scheduled an appointment with my gynecologist. An ultrasound confirmed that I had a solid/cystic mass that was likely of ovarian origin. I was referred to Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. Gustavo Rodriguez and had multiple tests, including an MRI. In the six weeks between the ultra sound and the MRI, the mass had grown 50% larger. On October 18th, I had surgery to remove the tumor, along with my right ovary and Fallopian tube. The tumor was massive, the size of a full term fetus, weighing 8.5 pounds. On October 25th, the pathology report came back and I was told that my greatest fear had come true, and I heard those most dreaded words "You have cancer". My final diagnosis is Well Differentiated Mucinous Adenocarcinoma.
The prognosis for Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary is poor despite treatment. This kind of ovarian tumor is also known to have a high recurrence rate, even after its surgical removal and chemotherapy. The survival rate past 5 years is only about 1/3. I don't want only 5 more years! I want to live a long, happy life without the fear that my cancer is going to come back and possibly be terminal.
Since learning about my diagnosis, I've been faced with making some very difficult choices. While chemotherapy is recommended for many types of cancer, the latest medical data shows no conclusive evidence that undergoing chemotherapy will help me cure my specific type of cancer. I have done extensive research, I have met with incredible doctors, all in an effort to learn as much as possible from the medical world. I've also done a lot of introspection to help guide me in choosing the best possible way forward for ME. I say ME in capitals because despite my wonderful friends and family, and you have all been incredibly supportive, kind, generous and amazing. I love you all and I realize I absolutely could not do this alone. But, ultimately this comes down to ME alone, MY disease, MY choice, My fight and MY life.
My Road to Recovery
After months of research, phone calls, emails, and meetings with doctor's, I decided to submit my application for treatment at the Gerson Institute in Mexico. This week, I learned that I've been accepted for the alternative cancer treatment program.
According to the Gerson Institute; "Degenerative diseases render the body increasingly unable to excrete waste materials adequately, commonly resulting in liver and kidney failure. The Gerson Therapy uses intensive detoxification to eliminate wastes, regenerate the liver, reactivate the immune system and restore the body's essential defenses enzyme, mineral, and hormone systems. With generous, high-quality nutrition, increased oxygen availability, detoxification, and improved metabolism, the cells and the body can regenerate, become healthy and prevent future illness."
Want to learn more? Please check out the Gerson Institute web site, or watch The Gerson Miracle on YouTube or Netflix.
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not cover this type of alternative cancer treatment. The initial treatment in Mexico, is three, weeks and they recommend continuing the program at home for a minimum of two years.
My Financial Situation
I have worked for Neiman Marcus for 14 years as a make up artist/business manager. I love what I do! It gives me great pleasure and pride to help my clients celebrate some of life's milestones from weddings, to prom and graduations, and feel beautiful and confident about how they look. I have also donated my time and skills to help many women of the community: sick, healthy, old, and young that needed a little pick me up with the transformative powers of make-up.
I had to stop working prior to surgery because of the pain, nightly fevers, extreme nausea, and my overall state of illness. I have been collecting short term disability which is approximately half of my regular pay and it is scheduled to run out in two weeks. At this point, I'm not physically capable of going back to work ,yet. My weight has significantly dropped, and I feel fatigued all the time. I need time to treat and beat this cancer. If I don't return to work, I will be left destitute, unable to pay for my rent, my health insurance, or any of the basic necessities like food and electricity.
The Help I Need
It's incredibly humbling being in a position where you need the help of friends, relatives, colleagues, and even strangers to get the medical treatment needed to survive! It is a great privilege to have the support of many loving friends and family members. My parents and only brother live out of state, they face their own health concerns, and I can't burden them further financially. I realize the limits of what my closest friends and family are able to give. Although this diagnosis has completely turned my life upside down, it has also shown me an amazing gift, the gift of asking for what I need. I never thought in a million years I would find myself in this position. I consider myself health conscious, even progressive, a healthy eater, physically active, and fit. My friends have offered to organize a fundraiser, but I think it's important that this comes from me.
My goal is to raise the funds necessary to allow me to go to the Gerson Clinic, to continue my healing process, and then to be able to afford to continue the treatment at home for two years. The cost of the in-patient therapy is $16,000, plus travel costs and out-patient care is $3000 a month, plus $3,000 for mandatory supplies; totalling $91,000 for two years of minimum protocol. (The cost of living and bills, have not been included in this total).
Please, I'm asking for your help.
Your support means so much to me and you are truly making a difference in my life! Thank you for anything you do to contribute. I appreciate any financial donation you make or if you can just share my story with your friends. I know with your support, prayers, and well wishes, I can get through this.
Thank you!
With love and gratitude,
Lisa
Organizer
Lisa Pekofsky
Organizer
Northbrook, IL
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