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Help Barbara Beat Cancer: A Journey of Hope and Resilience

In 2012, our beloved mother, Barbara, was diagnosed with an extremely rare stage 3 cancer in her neck, Pulmonary Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma. After undergoing surgery and radiation, Barbara was given a clean bill of health.

But in 2019, Barbara began experiencing difficulty breathing. What started as a precautionary X-ray revealed devastating news: the cancer had not been fully removed and had spread to both lungs. The largest tumor had invaded her heart, putting her life in immediate danger.

Barbara’s diagnosis is one of the rarest in the world, with only 57 documented cases of this cancer in the lungs. Because of this, there were no established treatments or cures available. Countless specialists told her to prepare for the worst. But if you know Barbara, you know she is a fighter. She faced this impossible news with unwavering grace, courage, and love, inspiring us all to find the same strength.

Since then, Barbara has endured multiple surgeries, grueling radiation treatments, medications, and countless hospital stays. The journey has been long, exhausting, and expensive. Over the past five years, Barbara and her loving husband Alan have accumulated over $125,000 in medical debt, leaving them in a precarious financial position.

But, in true Barbara fashion, she kept fighting—and today, we have a reason to hope.

A Breakthrough: A Clinical Trial That’s Finally Working

After years of searching, Barbara was accepted into a groundbreaking clinical trial at Dana Farber in Boston, Massachusetts. This trial is finally offering the first signs of real progress. The treatment is working! For the first time in years, Barbara has a path forward—a chance to reclaim her life and continue inspiring everyone who knows her.

The treatment, however, requires her to travel from North Carolina to Boston every three weeks. Between travel, lodging, and medical expenses, the costs are overwhelming. And because the trial treatments build on themselves, consistent participation is critical to Barbara’s continued success.

Why This Matters: A Life of Love and Dedication

Barbara has always been a light in her community and family. As a preschool teacher for decades, she shaped countless young lives with her kindness, patience, and warmth. She raised three daughters who are deeply inspired by her strength, and she is a loving grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren who adore her.

Now, we have the opportunity to show up for Barbara as she has always shown up for others. By supporting her, you’re not only helping her fight this battle but also ensuring she can continue to be the incredible mother, wife, and grandmother we all cherish.

How You Can Help

We are humbly asking for your support to help Barbara continue receiving this life-saving treatment. Funds raised will go toward:

Travel and lodging for Barbara and Alan to Boston every three weeks

Medical expenses not covered by insurance

Essential medications

This trial doesn’t just give Barbara a fighting chance—it also contributes to research that could one day help others with rare cancers like hers. By supporting Barbara, you’re also contributing to a future where no one has to face this journey alone.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, prayers, and support. Your kindness means everything to us and to Barbara.