Meredith's Cancer & MS Relief Fund

Our dear bright light, big hearted, compassionate, inspiring, fun-loving, strong and beautiful daughter, sister, friend, niece, co-worker, confidant, conspirator in life is in need of our support and love. She has been a steady force of grace and so much wit and wisdom since being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this summer. Through the intense journey of rounds of tests, appointments, doctor visits, waiting rooms, surgery and recovery from a double mastectomy she has been endlessly strong. At 37 she has had much practice with many aspects of this process, since being diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and is a warrior for health and healing. She has been incredibly positive and in good spirits keeping those around her including the doctors and nurses laughing as she prepares for the path ahead, which is long and entails 16 weeks (8 rounds) of chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. Her brave spirit and "vildhjarta", Swedish for wild heart, as the tattoo across her ribs reads (that thanks to surgeon Dr. Lin remains intact) always seems to make the most of all that life brings her way.

Meredith needs all the love, support and help that she can get and we, her loved community are here to offer that up and out. Meredith has been ever so appreciative for all the tender care she has received from her incredible community of support both near and far. Dr. Meredith Smith is a psychologist who works at a community mental health center and provides trauma assessments for children involved with the department of human services. She has committed her life's work to help those in need and is a trauma expert who holds space and bears witness to the children, youth and families she serves. Meredith will need to take a step back from work and just like she encourages others to do, will need to open herself up to ask for and accept the kindness and support of those around her, as she makes room in her life for what's to come. On the path to renewed health and healing her loving family in Michigan has been right by her side helping with all they can. Her mother, Jocy, has been back and forth multiple times from Michigan to Colorado and is scheduled to return to be with Meredith as she starts her first round of chemo. Meredith's brother Brian has shaved his head in solidarity, both are rocking their short hair-dos as they continue to support and care for their father whose own health is ailing.

We need Meredith to know that she is wrapped in a blanket of love as she moves forward in treatment. Her large and loving family, friends and community are weaving a circle of support around her to give, share and provide what they can to help financially support Meredith's mounting medical bills and living expenses such as her mortgage, student loan payments, and her  12 and 1/2 year old dog Piglet’s vet bills and prescriptions (of which there are many), etc. Please pause and take a moment to donate and offer up help in any form you can including....90's hip hop mixes, good vibes, oms, love, nourishing meals, visits, airplane miles, coloring books, dog walking, prayers, well wishes, pedicures, massages and chilled bottles of white wine. Meredith and her family are humbly and endlessly grateful for all your kindness and support during this difficult time.

*Please feel free to post this anywhere you feel comfortable and thank you Annie KB for writing such a beautiful and loving profile.