Boody (Caitlin) Beats Cancer

Caitlin; daughter, sister, friend, nurse, and support system to all who are lucky enough to know her, was diagnosed with Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma (tongue cancer) in February 2020, at the age of 34. Since then, she has been battling this cancer like the fighter we know she is. She underwent her first surgery on March 17, 2020, removing the tumor, undergoing a neck dissection, taking an area of her forearm, including skin, muscle, nerves, and vasculature in order to replace the portion of her tongue that was resected, and removing 53 lymph nodes prophylactically. This led to a lengthy stay in the hospital, time off work, and a number of therapies and appointments to aid in her recovery. This surgery was then followed by 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week, again causing Caitlin to be out of work. While we were all hopeful radiation would be the end of this battle for her, in September it was found that the cancer had spread to 3 lymph nodes. Again faced with surgery, Caitlin approached it with positivity and jokes, as she always does. On September 16, 2020 Caitlin underwent another surgery, which included another neck dissection, removing the lymph node that was midline-under her chin, the node just below her ear/neck, and also the one that was in the belly of the sternocleidomastoid. After an extremely invasive and difficult surgery, Caitlin is still in need of more treatment. Although insurance has denied her coverage, Caitlin is heading to Houston, Texas to explore potentially life saving treatment options at MD Anderson Cancer Center. 


Caitlin has been surrounded by the love and encouragement of her family and friends, as well as an amazing care team. However, at this time, what Caitlin needs most is your support. Like most of us, Caitlin has been reluctant to ask for help, so, as her friends, we are stepping in and asking for her. The initial visit to MD Anderson will be $20,000, followed by an insurmountable stack of medical bills.


While we understand these are difficult times for many, we are asking, if you are able, please consider donating to this cause. Caitlin has spent a lifetime giving to others, as a nurse and a friend, and we cannot imagine passing up the opportunity to give back to her. Please join Caitlin in this fight, so she can continue to pay it forward to others, once she is back on her feet. 


-Amanda, Erin, Lisa, Matti, Melissa, and Samantha 


**If you are more comfortable donating directly to Caitlin, or through one of us, please contact us at [email redacted] to offer you the best route to do so.**