Cathy Fisher Cancer Fund

You may or may not know but in November 2022, my dear friend Cathy was diagnosed with stage III metastatic ovarian cancer. She’s endured more than I can ever imagine in the last year but in true Cathy fashion still finds any reason to crack a joke and stay positive through it all! While I can’t even begin to explain all the attempted treatments/medical terms I’ll narrow it down to this. She’s inoperable due to the masses encompassing basically her entire abdominal cavity. She’s tried radiation and multiple chemo treatments, all of which were resistant and is now trying immunotherapy. Because the masses are so large they are pressing on her organs and in early August she had to have emergency surgery in Pittsburgh due to her colon being blocked and stents put in her ureters from it pressing on her kidneys. This resulted in having to receive an ileostomy and colostomy. Due to these procedures she now has a central PICC line and TPN that she receives “food” and fluids through. This has become a constant battle of trying to regulate the TPN and has been in out of the hospital.

She has an incredible employer that is holding her position for her and continues her insurance, however, she can only work a limited amount of time from home and still has co-pays, meds, and medical supplies, treatments and surgeries that aren’t covered. As well as rent and monthly expenses.

With all that being said, the last six months have been impossible for her to physically get back to work and she has finally agreed to accept help. I am reaching out to ask for financial support from all those who know and love her, to all those that she’s ever brought a smile to your face, and to those who just want to help but don’t know how.

Since she was diagnosed she respectfully didn't want everyone to know. She's determined not to let cancer define her and fears seeing pity in people's eyes. She's the strongest person I know and will keep fighting to be here for her daughter Mariah. Her biggest concern from this is that there was no indication that this could happen to her. She had her wellness visits, mammograms, pap smears, cervical screenings....she did all that she was “supposed” to do but cancer doesn't care. Her hope in now sharing her story is to raise awareness. She wants to encourage women and men who have had family members with cancer to get a genetic test. Genetic testing does not mean that that they will find cancer. But it will look for harmful variants that will lower the risk of you developing cancer or finding cancer earlier.

Please know that your prayers, thoughts, good vibes, love and support are all welcomed and very much appreciated.