Brenda's Kicking Cancer to the Curb
Donation protected
Take a deep breath.
Brenda has stage 4 lung cancer.
WHAT!?
Still breathing? Good. Sorry, there's just no other way to say it. As a non-smoker, Brenda is as shocked as you are to receive such devastating news.
As you know, Brenda is strong, sassy, independent, smart and funny - a perfect mix of character to help her get through what will undoubtedly be a tough and hard-fought journey.
Despite Brenda's strength, she'll need your love, friendship, and support to kick cancer to the curb.
Here's what we know.
In December Brenda felt tired and experienced problems breathing. Of course, she brushed it off and continued to work and go about her life.
Three weeks ago Brenda visited an Urgent care for an inhaler to help her breathing. An x-ray revealed a considerable amount of fluid next to her left lung. The fluid had pushed against her left lung causing it to collapse. She was told to go to the Emergency Room to have the fluid drained (1.6L). At that moment, Brenda learned the fluid tested positive for cancer.
Despite several visits to Katmai Oncology, there are numerous unanswered questions. Cancer has spread (metastasized) to the organs and tissues of her left side, including left lung and the lymph nodes under her arm. Fortunately, an MRI has come up negative for any tumors in her brain, an incredible relief.
Brenda doesn't mess around. So it's no surprise that she's decided to move forward with an aggressive treatment effort. On February 14, Brenda along with her mom, and dad will travel to Houston, TX, for treatment at MD Anderson, one of the top oncology centers in the world. It's likely that she'll have to make the trip from AK to TX several times during her treatment.
It is unclear exactly what type of treatment MDA will recommend, as this depends on the type of cancer cells present. Right now she's on pain pills and managing the best she can.
How you can help.
Please consider helping Brenda in any way you can. She's a lucky girl to have so many friends and family that truly care about her well being. Sending your much-appreciated thoughts, prayers and good vibes is a great place to start.
If you can give more than healing light, then please consider donating money to help cover medical expenses and/or air miles to ensure Brenda receives the best care available.
Brenda has insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Her deductible is over $7,150 and does not cover the full cost of specialized testing and treatments. Her medical expenses have already exceeded $9,000 and are not included in her insurance deductible. However, this may qualify for Medicaid assistance.
Financial support will help pay Brenda's deductible expenses, uncovered procedures, tests, medications and basic living expenses as she will need to take time off work to heal. Although she is enrolled in ACA, there is a chance that this insurance plan may not be available to her in the future. Unfortunately, the political landscape surrounding this issue seems to change by the minute.
What's next?
A blog will soon be established to communicate updates on Brenda's diagnosis and treatment. It will most likely post on Brenda's personal Facebook page. Stay tuned.
Financial updates will post on this page.
Brenda and her family are very grateful for the warmth and love received from all corners of the world. Have no doubt that Brenda is preparing to meet this challenge as she's met every other challenge in life: head-first and wielding her greatest superpower - laughter!
"I'm very grateful for your support. Please keep in touch by sending uplifting, humorous and general ass kicking messages. I plan on kicking this cancer's ass and continuing my fabulous life with YOU!" - Brenda Registe
Brenda has stage 4 lung cancer.
WHAT!?
Still breathing? Good. Sorry, there's just no other way to say it. As a non-smoker, Brenda is as shocked as you are to receive such devastating news.
As you know, Brenda is strong, sassy, independent, smart and funny - a perfect mix of character to help her get through what will undoubtedly be a tough and hard-fought journey.
Despite Brenda's strength, she'll need your love, friendship, and support to kick cancer to the curb.
Here's what we know.
In December Brenda felt tired and experienced problems breathing. Of course, she brushed it off and continued to work and go about her life.
Three weeks ago Brenda visited an Urgent care for an inhaler to help her breathing. An x-ray revealed a considerable amount of fluid next to her left lung. The fluid had pushed against her left lung causing it to collapse. She was told to go to the Emergency Room to have the fluid drained (1.6L). At that moment, Brenda learned the fluid tested positive for cancer.
Despite several visits to Katmai Oncology, there are numerous unanswered questions. Cancer has spread (metastasized) to the organs and tissues of her left side, including left lung and the lymph nodes under her arm. Fortunately, an MRI has come up negative for any tumors in her brain, an incredible relief.
Brenda doesn't mess around. So it's no surprise that she's decided to move forward with an aggressive treatment effort. On February 14, Brenda along with her mom, and dad will travel to Houston, TX, for treatment at MD Anderson, one of the top oncology centers in the world. It's likely that she'll have to make the trip from AK to TX several times during her treatment.
It is unclear exactly what type of treatment MDA will recommend, as this depends on the type of cancer cells present. Right now she's on pain pills and managing the best she can.
How you can help.
Please consider helping Brenda in any way you can. She's a lucky girl to have so many friends and family that truly care about her well being. Sending your much-appreciated thoughts, prayers and good vibes is a great place to start.
If you can give more than healing light, then please consider donating money to help cover medical expenses and/or air miles to ensure Brenda receives the best care available.
Brenda has insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Her deductible is over $7,150 and does not cover the full cost of specialized testing and treatments. Her medical expenses have already exceeded $9,000 and are not included in her insurance deductible. However, this may qualify for Medicaid assistance.
Financial support will help pay Brenda's deductible expenses, uncovered procedures, tests, medications and basic living expenses as she will need to take time off work to heal. Although she is enrolled in ACA, there is a chance that this insurance plan may not be available to her in the future. Unfortunately, the political landscape surrounding this issue seems to change by the minute.
What's next?
A blog will soon be established to communicate updates on Brenda's diagnosis and treatment. It will most likely post on Brenda's personal Facebook page. Stay tuned.
Financial updates will post on this page.
Brenda and her family are very grateful for the warmth and love received from all corners of the world. Have no doubt that Brenda is preparing to meet this challenge as she's met every other challenge in life: head-first and wielding her greatest superpower - laughter!
"I'm very grateful for your support. Please keep in touch by sending uplifting, humorous and general ass kicking messages. I plan on kicking this cancer's ass and continuing my fabulous life with YOU!" - Brenda Registe
Organizer and beneficiary
KB Imle
Organizer
Anchorage, AK
Brenda Registe
Beneficiary