Amanda's Army

Hello friends! I know that times are tough and that all of us have had to withstand our own trials and tribulations over the past few years - many looking for the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel." But for someone living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer, that light doesn't exist.

 

My dear friend, Amanda Buss, has been in the fight of her life for the last 16 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2006, then metastatic breast cancer in October of 2010, initially being told she had 6 months to live, she hasn't let the cancerous spots found wrapped around her spine, within her ovaries, pancreas, liver, or brain, nor the debilitating side effects of the poisonous drugs meant to lengthen her life, hold her back or strip her of her spirit. She continues to defy the odds.

 

For four years, I was lucky enough to experience the tenacity and grit of this Warrior on the basketball court - a special place where the bonds of sisterhood are forged. But even luckier than that, I have witnessed my teammate become an inspiration - no, a hero - to so many - as she refuses to quit, once again summoning that warrior strength and valor on the hardwood of life. The courage she continues to show is astonishing. Despite the nasty physical side effects of the ever-changing treatments for the ever-evolving cancer that resides within her, despite the mental and emotional toll that one must endure with the unknown of every new test or scan, Amanda continues to fight - with a smile on her face - all while selflessly dedicating her life to serving others. Proof? This is a woman who, two weeks after surgery to remove a two-inch mass from her brain, attended a golf outing in support of a cause near and dear to a former teammate of ours, rounding up volunteers and organizing gift packages to help with the event. Most recently, one day prior to undergoing yet another invasive brain procedure, Amanda attended a golf tournament created to raise money for her place of employment, the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Her life’s work revolves around helping others whose lives have been impacted by cancer. She wants to make sure her fellow survivors have the emotional, social, and physical supports needed to be at their best while battling this horrible disease. And I am sure most of you who know Amanda personally could describe a time when she did what she does best - showed up, ready and willing to help, in any way she could…

 

I am creating this page with the hope that karma comes full circle; that we reciprocate all the times Amanda has gone above and beyond to help others. She’s been nothing but strong for us. Let’s give her the opportunity to focus on herself for once; to know what it’s like to be able to take time from work without having to worry about how to pay for her next round of chemotherapy, radiation, hormone treatments, or the monthly scans and tests needed to make sure the monster hasn’t discovered a new place to hide. If anyone truly understands the deep and delicate connection between the body and the mind, surely it is her… Let’s give Amanda a chance to take time for herself, to let her mind and body rest and recoup. Let’s give Amanda a chance to recharge that beautiful, compassionate spirit of hers…

If willing and able, please share this fundraiser with as many people as possible! Amanda needs our support!  And if unable to contribute financially, positive thoughts and prayers are more than welcome! Thank you!!!