Charidan Updyke Cancer Benefit

Charidan is a beautiful, active and vibrant 17 year old that has been diagnosed with a complicated form of papillary thyroid cancer. She has been ill for months and after many doctor appointments and being seen by her endocrinologist for more testing and biopsies we got the news in February.  Due to the complicated nature of her cancer it took many weeks of ultrasounds, molecular testing, genetic testing and a panel of specialists from Children’s and UPMC to get all of her pathology back.  She will be undergoing a thyroidectomy, possible lymphectomy  and radiation in May.  As you can imagine our out-of-pocket medical and weekly  travel expenses to Children’s Hospital are starting to pile up quickly.  We do have insurance but there are deductibles and bills for cancer specialists and medications that are becoming very overwhelming. We are a one income family at this time due to my disability.  This has made stretching our budget very difficult.  We are making it work but some help would take some stress off of our shoulders so we can focus on Charidan’s treatment and getting her better.  Any help, positive thoughts and prayers are appreciated. She has a long road ahead of her.  Some days she feels worse than others but she’s always been my scrappy little fighter she will beat this! Thank you all so much!