Cathy’s Cancer Fund
Spende geschützt
Cancer.
What a strange word. You hear it and you think “Wow. That must be so difficult to deal with. I hope it never happens to me.” You hear beautiful stories about mother’s (like my own mom) overcoming the odds. And you also hear heart-wrenching stories about children who barely had a chance at life. And then you find out…that it’s happened to you.
I’ve been trying to keep this part of my life private for so long. And many of you don’t know my story. Well, it’s time to reveal my story. My story with cervical cancer.
A little over a year ago, I went to visit my OBGYN for a regular annual visit. The doctor performed the usual tests. And I expected the usual answers. Except this time, the PAP smear came back abnormal. Strange. So I went back to the doctor to have a biopsy for further testing. I never really expected to receive the news. I mean…who does? Then I heard the results – positive for cancer cells on my cervix. My heart sank. I was in shock.
My doctor referred me to a specialist and in what seemed like curve ball, I had surgery. But not just any surgery. A full blown hysterectomy. Not exactly the easiest pill to swallow. I was never one to want kids, but now the thought of never being able to have them would be something I’d have to deal with for the rest of my life. But I wanted to live, so I did what I had to do. I was out of work for quite some time while I healed. But thankfully, I’m a saver. So I had some money for a “rainy day.” Once I was recovered enough, my surgeon told me my next step would be to undergo radiation therapy. Normally patients can continue to work during radiation, but with the nature of a flight attendant’s schedule, I was still not able to return to work because I had to go in 5 days a week for a few months for treatment.
I took radiation well with minimal side effects and went back to work with really high hopes. After a few months, I returned to the hospital for follow up testing. To the surprise of both me and my team of doctors, my PET scan showed cancer activity near one of my kidneys. WTF? A CT scan was performed to confirm that there was some sort of small abnormal area that could be a tumor or scar tissue. I had another operation to remove and test the unknown mass and surrounding areas. Much to my dismay, they found the same cancer cells again. The doctors said the cancer was growing during my radiation treatments which was a shock to everyone. If you know me, you know I’m a tough cookie. I don’t let things get me down easily. But this this…this is cancer…it’s not something you want to deal with no matter how strong you are. I’m now undergoing chemotherapy per my doctor’s recommendations. I just finished my 3rd round of 6 treatments. Cancer sucks. Chemo sucks even more.
This brings us all up to speed!
I’ve been stubbornly turning down the idea of starting a gofundme as suggested to me multiple times by my close friends. But as I come to grips with reality, I realize that now is the time to go more public with my illness and be open to the help and support of my friends, family and the miracle that is the internet. I stopped working again in early April of this year and am taking personal medical leave. Stupid me didn’t enroll in any optional insurances like short term disability. I mean…who expects cancer in their life?
I’ve tried applying for long term disability benefits as well as social security disability but haven’t been successful. I’ve already run through all my sick time and now I’m dipping deeply into my savings and retirement funds. Of course, my parents have been there for me and have helped me pay off some of my debts to take a weight off my shoulders. Then there’s my loving husband Greg who has been taking great care of me while juggling part time work and school. We’re hoping he lands a full time fire fighting gig in the near future. My cat Waldo, although soft and cute, has not contributed financially to our family and cannot be relied upon. Is it wrong if I put my cat to work?
I’ve held off on creating this page as long as I could. I think maybe it’s part denial, part pride. But now I’m sharing my personal story with you and asking for your help. Let’s face it. Life is expensive. Cancer is even more expensive. Any and all amounts are deeply appreciated. Funds will be used towards medical bills, rent, and every day life and bills. I obviously can’t work now and I have no means of income and, to put it bluntly, it really sucks. If you can’t make a donation, I totally understand. I do ask that you please share this on your social media so that your friends and family might read my story. Thanks everyone!
https://www.gofundme.com/xf5z2-cathys-cancer-fund

**GoFundMe edit**
1. Who you are and where you’re from.
My name is Cathy (Catherine) Ng Smith and I’m from Cape Coral, FL but currently live in Ft Lauderdale.
2. Your relationship or contact to the parties you're raising funds for.
I am the sole beneficiary of this campaign.
3. How the funds will be spent (be specific as possible)
All donations will be used for medical bills, regular life bills (rent, cell phone, car note, etc). Also possibly used for a little R&R for Greg and I
4. Your withdrawal plan to get the funds from the campaign to the ultimate beneficiary/ies
Funds currently get directly deposited into my savings account.
What a strange word. You hear it and you think “Wow. That must be so difficult to deal with. I hope it never happens to me.” You hear beautiful stories about mother’s (like my own mom) overcoming the odds. And you also hear heart-wrenching stories about children who barely had a chance at life. And then you find out…that it’s happened to you.
I’ve been trying to keep this part of my life private for so long. And many of you don’t know my story. Well, it’s time to reveal my story. My story with cervical cancer.
A little over a year ago, I went to visit my OBGYN for a regular annual visit. The doctor performed the usual tests. And I expected the usual answers. Except this time, the PAP smear came back abnormal. Strange. So I went back to the doctor to have a biopsy for further testing. I never really expected to receive the news. I mean…who does? Then I heard the results – positive for cancer cells on my cervix. My heart sank. I was in shock.
My doctor referred me to a specialist and in what seemed like curve ball, I had surgery. But not just any surgery. A full blown hysterectomy. Not exactly the easiest pill to swallow. I was never one to want kids, but now the thought of never being able to have them would be something I’d have to deal with for the rest of my life. But I wanted to live, so I did what I had to do. I was out of work for quite some time while I healed. But thankfully, I’m a saver. So I had some money for a “rainy day.” Once I was recovered enough, my surgeon told me my next step would be to undergo radiation therapy. Normally patients can continue to work during radiation, but with the nature of a flight attendant’s schedule, I was still not able to return to work because I had to go in 5 days a week for a few months for treatment.
I took radiation well with minimal side effects and went back to work with really high hopes. After a few months, I returned to the hospital for follow up testing. To the surprise of both me and my team of doctors, my PET scan showed cancer activity near one of my kidneys. WTF? A CT scan was performed to confirm that there was some sort of small abnormal area that could be a tumor or scar tissue. I had another operation to remove and test the unknown mass and surrounding areas. Much to my dismay, they found the same cancer cells again. The doctors said the cancer was growing during my radiation treatments which was a shock to everyone. If you know me, you know I’m a tough cookie. I don’t let things get me down easily. But this this…this is cancer…it’s not something you want to deal with no matter how strong you are. I’m now undergoing chemotherapy per my doctor’s recommendations. I just finished my 3rd round of 6 treatments. Cancer sucks. Chemo sucks even more.
This brings us all up to speed!
I’ve been stubbornly turning down the idea of starting a gofundme as suggested to me multiple times by my close friends. But as I come to grips with reality, I realize that now is the time to go more public with my illness and be open to the help and support of my friends, family and the miracle that is the internet. I stopped working again in early April of this year and am taking personal medical leave. Stupid me didn’t enroll in any optional insurances like short term disability. I mean…who expects cancer in their life?
I’ve tried applying for long term disability benefits as well as social security disability but haven’t been successful. I’ve already run through all my sick time and now I’m dipping deeply into my savings and retirement funds. Of course, my parents have been there for me and have helped me pay off some of my debts to take a weight off my shoulders. Then there’s my loving husband Greg who has been taking great care of me while juggling part time work and school. We’re hoping he lands a full time fire fighting gig in the near future. My cat Waldo, although soft and cute, has not contributed financially to our family and cannot be relied upon. Is it wrong if I put my cat to work?
I’ve held off on creating this page as long as I could. I think maybe it’s part denial, part pride. But now I’m sharing my personal story with you and asking for your help. Let’s face it. Life is expensive. Cancer is even more expensive. Any and all amounts are deeply appreciated. Funds will be used towards medical bills, rent, and every day life and bills. I obviously can’t work now and I have no means of income and, to put it bluntly, it really sucks. If you can’t make a donation, I totally understand. I do ask that you please share this on your social media so that your friends and family might read my story. Thanks everyone!
https://www.gofundme.com/xf5z2-cathys-cancer-fund
**GoFundMe edit**
1. Who you are and where you’re from.
My name is Cathy (Catherine) Ng Smith and I’m from Cape Coral, FL but currently live in Ft Lauderdale.
2. Your relationship or contact to the parties you're raising funds for.
I am the sole beneficiary of this campaign.
3. How the funds will be spent (be specific as possible)
All donations will be used for medical bills, regular life bills (rent, cell phone, car note, etc). Also possibly used for a little R&R for Greg and I
4. Your withdrawal plan to get the funds from the campaign to the ultimate beneficiary/ies
Funds currently get directly deposited into my savings account.
Organisator
Cathy Ng
Organisator
Pompano Beach, FL
