The Zalee Harris Cancer Project
Donation protected
Over the years, Zalee had encountered difficulties with her health, including appendicitis, high blood pressure, diabetes, adrenal gland, and tumors. Thoughout it all, she continues to love and support her family as well as act as an advocate in local and state policy. She is well known by those who make decisions for our county and has served in many capacities and on several committees.
Two weeks after her brother passed in June, Zalee felt a painful lump in her breast. In August, she was diagnosed with cancer in her breast. Zalee opted for a bilateral (both breasts) removal which occurred in September.
Although the surgery went well, the recovery did not. Zalee experienced severe fluid build up that opened her stitches. Chemotherapy was postponed until she was healed. She developed lymphedema and infection. She was in a lot of pain.
Zalee was given a medication to put her in menapause in order to slow the cancer growth until she healed, and could begin chemotherapy. She is now past the deadline to begin aggressive therapy but she's not yet healed. From the surgery in September until now, Zalee has had several emergency room visits for surgery complications. She's had drainage tubes removed, stitches repacked, multiple bacterial infections from open wounds, and more. Finally, on December 17 and 18, Zalee went in the hospital to have the power ports installed to prepare to begin chemotherapy. She received her first session of lymphedema therapy with compression garments. Now she waits for the doctors to confirm that she has healed enough to begin cancer treatment. Throughout this process, her husband remains her sole caregiver, 24 hours a day. Since neither have been able to work, they are struggling to prevent foreclosure on the family home. They lack sufficient funds to tackle the house and her health.
She needs our personal, spiritual and financial support. Please give to help her family in this time of need.
Two weeks after her brother passed in June, Zalee felt a painful lump in her breast. In August, she was diagnosed with cancer in her breast. Zalee opted for a bilateral (both breasts) removal which occurred in September.
Although the surgery went well, the recovery did not. Zalee experienced severe fluid build up that opened her stitches. Chemotherapy was postponed until she was healed. She developed lymphedema and infection. She was in a lot of pain.
Zalee was given a medication to put her in menapause in order to slow the cancer growth until she healed, and could begin chemotherapy. She is now past the deadline to begin aggressive therapy but she's not yet healed. From the surgery in September until now, Zalee has had several emergency room visits for surgery complications. She's had drainage tubes removed, stitches repacked, multiple bacterial infections from open wounds, and more. Finally, on December 17 and 18, Zalee went in the hospital to have the power ports installed to prepare to begin chemotherapy. She received her first session of lymphedema therapy with compression garments. Now she waits for the doctors to confirm that she has healed enough to begin cancer treatment. Throughout this process, her husband remains her sole caregiver, 24 hours a day. Since neither have been able to work, they are struggling to prevent foreclosure on the family home. They lack sufficient funds to tackle the house and her health.She needs our personal, spiritual and financial support. Please give to help her family in this time of need.
Organizer
Maxine Swann
Organizer
District Heights, MD