Become a Part of the Cure: Val's Fight
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In November of last year, our lives changed as Val, a loving mother, grandmother, and wife - was diagnosed with breast cancer just a year after losing her mother. Words can never describe the flooding of emotions you feel when faced with the terrifying news that your mother has cancer. In a world where answers are so easily attainable, to be stuck in a position with none of them is purely terrifying.
But with Val's positive, upbeat attitude, it was hard to stay stuck for long. We saddled up for the uphill battle she was about to begin as she explored her options. Whether it was pure luck or putting out our positive vibes, we were blessed with the news that her diagnosis was with Ductile Carcinoma In Situ, meaning the cancer was present, but had not spread to other areas. The only other upside to this diagnosis was that DCIS is a very early stage of breast cancer.
After researching her options, completing countless tests, and weighing out the pros and cons of each option, she made the incredibly brave decision to opt for a double mastectomy. Given her family history of cancer and the likelihood of recurrence, she listened to her gut and went forth with the 8-hour operation on January 16th, 2019. The doctors believed that they had removed all of the cancer and her road to recovery was looking smooth.
Just this past week, we learned some even more heartbreaking news: they found Stage I Invasive cancer cells after further testing on the tissue removed from the double mastectomy. The cells are so small that none of the previous tests could have possibly shown the results of this more aggressive breast cancer. So, while we believed we were out of the woods, it is still somewhat comforting knowing that the decision Val made to go through such extensive surgery has been the best decision she's made - because without this surgery, we wouldn't know about the more aggressive underlying cancer. If she hadn't have made that decisions when she did, we would be facing the same situation only farther down the road.
So, what happens from here? Val is currently looking at 5 months of chemotherapy. Not only does this news bring a struggle of its own, but the stress of expenses still exists. Rent, car payments, utilities, doctor visits, etc- are still accumulating while she is unable to work. The FMLA leave of absence she's currently taken does not provide monetary assistance, and we are raising money in the hopes of relieving as much of that stress as possible. Our goal of $10K is to cover monthly expenses for the next 5 months as she gears up for her strenuous battle ahead. While no part of this process will be easy, it is only with the help of others like you that we can try to provide ease of mind in regards to cost of living.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Val and her journey to cancer-free life. We appreciate you joining our fight for Val's health and happiness on this bumpy journey! Anything you can spare is immensely appreciated and truly a blessing. Additionally, please feel free to share this page - it would mean the world to us!
But with Val's positive, upbeat attitude, it was hard to stay stuck for long. We saddled up for the uphill battle she was about to begin as she explored her options. Whether it was pure luck or putting out our positive vibes, we were blessed with the news that her diagnosis was with Ductile Carcinoma In Situ, meaning the cancer was present, but had not spread to other areas. The only other upside to this diagnosis was that DCIS is a very early stage of breast cancer.
After researching her options, completing countless tests, and weighing out the pros and cons of each option, she made the incredibly brave decision to opt for a double mastectomy. Given her family history of cancer and the likelihood of recurrence, she listened to her gut and went forth with the 8-hour operation on January 16th, 2019. The doctors believed that they had removed all of the cancer and her road to recovery was looking smooth.
Just this past week, we learned some even more heartbreaking news: they found Stage I Invasive cancer cells after further testing on the tissue removed from the double mastectomy. The cells are so small that none of the previous tests could have possibly shown the results of this more aggressive breast cancer. So, while we believed we were out of the woods, it is still somewhat comforting knowing that the decision Val made to go through such extensive surgery has been the best decision she's made - because without this surgery, we wouldn't know about the more aggressive underlying cancer. If she hadn't have made that decisions when she did, we would be facing the same situation only farther down the road.
So, what happens from here? Val is currently looking at 5 months of chemotherapy. Not only does this news bring a struggle of its own, but the stress of expenses still exists. Rent, car payments, utilities, doctor visits, etc- are still accumulating while she is unable to work. The FMLA leave of absence she's currently taken does not provide monetary assistance, and we are raising money in the hopes of relieving as much of that stress as possible. Our goal of $10K is to cover monthly expenses for the next 5 months as she gears up for her strenuous battle ahead. While no part of this process will be easy, it is only with the help of others like you that we can try to provide ease of mind in regards to cost of living.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Val and her journey to cancer-free life. We appreciate you joining our fight for Val's health and happiness on this bumpy journey! Anything you can spare is immensely appreciated and truly a blessing. Additionally, please feel free to share this page - it would mean the world to us!
Organizer
Hannah Hills
Organizer
Cary, IL