Tonya's Cancer Journey

Let me tell you about my best friend. Tonya Jean Ratliff. We began our friendship in 7th grade and are still friends today. She has been my support, ally, biggest fan, go-to for advice, and best friend for 27 years. She is there when I need her; she picks me up when I fall and sticks up for me when no one else will. I don’t know that I can do this life without her… and that’s why I’m here. I’m asking for your help.

Tonya was diagnosed with a thymus tumor last month. They removed the mass via a sternotomy. Her surgeon said it was the size of a mini basketball. It had wrapped around her phrenic artery and damaged the nerves going to her right diaphragm. The right side of her diaphragm is now non-functional, so she’s cruising on the left diaphragm.

The doctor told her with the mass being that large, the odds were that it would be cancer. The biopsy showed Hodgkin Lymphoma (NSHL). It is a common cancer, and it's very treatable and curable, but it is cancer nonetheless. So she is looking at chemo and probably radiation.

I put this fundraiser together because Tonya’s recovery time will be longer than initially planned, and I want to help her with the financial burden. I’m not going to pretend to understand the fear and uncertainty she’s feeling now. But I know we can all come together and help her make it through this. She’s one of the strongest people I know, and if anyone can do this, I know she can.

Tonya has shown so much grace and faith through this already. God has answered prayers and will continue to answer them! God has got this, and we do not doubt that He will be with her every step of the way. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” I know that this will undoubtedly be true now more than ever. (If you would like the whole story, check out her Facebook page. It will give you lots of info about what she’s going through.)

Any help you can give me with this would be greatly appreciated. I know it would mean more to Tonya than any of you know. So please keep the good thoughts and prayers headed her way, and I will keep you posted on her progress!