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Aidan's Journey - Previvor
Donation protected
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Aidan Gerber, daughter, sister to 8 siblings, and mother of two (15 and 10 years old) recently found out that she carries the mutated BRCA2 gene. A small percentage of people (about one in 400, or 0.25% of the population) carry mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. A BRCA mutation occurs when the DNA that makes up the gene becomes damaged in some way. When a BRCA gene is mutated, it may no longer be effective at repairing broken DNA and helping to prevent breast cancer. Because of this, people with a BRCA gene mutation are more likely to develop breast cancer, and more likely to develop cancer at a younger age. Aidan is 38. Aidan's father also had the mutated gene and had breast cancer in both breasts. He had a double mastectomy and a recurrence of cancer after the mastectomy. This information is key in understanding the difficult road ahead for Aidan's journey.
For 6 months, Aidan has been navigating this journey with doctors and hospitals. She will be having an open biopsy on 8/15 based on disturbing symptoms she's been having. Many of the tests have been inconclusive which has led to the need for this biopsy. Depending on the results of the biopsies, there is a chance that a double mastectomy and potential ovary removal will need to occur. These initial appointments are just the start of numerous appointments to look at all aspects of her body including eye, skin, pancreas, and colon and determine treatment options. This BRCA2 mutation doesn't only impact one or two organs, it potentially impacts her whole body and ultimately her life.
Aidan's workplace doesn't have disability insurance available. Since it's an hourly position, she is not paid when she is attending the 2-3 appointments per week needed. Aidan is a single mom without any financial support raising her children. We are reaching out to friends and family, their friends and family, anyone who can help Aidan. The money will be used for lost wages, therapy for her children, and medical bills, so she can continue to support her family. If someone doesn't feel comfortable providing money directly for this cause, gift cards for grocery stores, gas, or Walmart would be welcome. Feel free to contact Jenn Morrison via GoFundMe if this is an option you'd like to pursue. Please consider helping Aidan and her family out, any little bit counts.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Morrison
Organizer
Harrisonburg, VA
Aidan Gerber
Beneficiary