Donna Mahoney "Power of Pink"

"You have stage 4 breast cancer". The words never fade, the reality sharp and quick. How do you help your sister through something devastating like this? I'll tell you how! HER FIGHT IS OUR FIGHT. HER BATTLE IS OUR BATTLE. HER PAIN IS OUR PAIN. My family and I are asking for the help of our family & friends or anyone kind enough to read this GoFundMe.

My sister Donna was struggling with health issues in late 2022, thinking it was possibly her gall bladder she went to the hospital. It wasn't long before the tests were done and the words were said that day of December 16th changing Donna's life forever. She spent 17 days as an inpatient in terrible pain with 7 broken ribs, a compressed spine (they say picture a crushed Coke can), difficulty breathing and it was hard to walk just to the bathroom. Donna has Stage 4 Metastatic breast cancer that is endocrine derived and became widespread, even into her bones!

We were crushed, she was devastated and the focus became pain management as Donna has many allergies to medicine.

During the past 3 months, we have respected Donna's privacy and not discussed her diagnosis outside our immediate family. Our sister Susan is her healthcare proxy and accompanies Donna to every doctor's appointment, assisting her with picking up prescriptions, food shopping and maintaining a positive role. Susan is also the proxy to our Mother Alice and sister Carole who each reside at separate nursing homes. Donna hasn't been able to visit them much recently and they are unaware of her diagnosis. (it is just too much for them).

Donna is in constant pain, even talking to her you can see the strain, the shuffled walk, the difficulty sitting, standing or even sleeping well. She is currently taking 16 prescribed medications that most have a copay on. Living in a small apartment on the 3rd floor of her building with only steps is exhausting for her. She has many appointments during the weekdays, she has had a few invasive biopsies of the spine and breast with long-lasting pain. The monthly infusions and cost of gas, parking fees, rising food costs, the co-pays and the rent getting behind due to a lengthy hospital stay and inability to work after has become taxing.

My sister didn't want to ask for help, we respect her pride. Donna is always quick to help donate to others causes, volunteers much of her own time to the food pantry and supports many fundraisers and we would like her to receive some assistance as well. I ask on behalf of Donna because she won't. I ask not just for any financial assistance you could offer, but for compassion and understanding too. Living in a big family comes with much activity and often tragedy. It also comes with strength, determination and much love. We are united in this fight.

Donna is not on social media, we ask for you to share this GoFundMe often, donate if you are able (we truly understand how tough times are right now) and if you prefer to send something to her she does not want it sent to her building. My address is listed below for any mailings or drop-offs. Gift cards are also greatly appreciated. CVS, Stefanos & Quan's Kitchen (Mansfield), Shaws, Stop & Shop and Target are her choices. This is a huge step in her health journey, trying not to overwhelm her from going to a small support system to "full disclosure" could be overwhelming. She will reach out to anyone when she is able I'm sure. We want her to remain in control of her life when so much feels out of control. Any of us would want the same. I will update from time to time and possibly hold a fundraiser. Let's start here.

Lastly, I thank you all for reading this entry and for donating and sharing too! We want to use positivity and strength in numbers to be the focus. Her fight is our fight is the motto. Sending you all light, love and the "Power of Pink". Stay well.

P.S. Book your mammogram and see it through ladies!!!

Warmly,

Kerri Melendez Trask and the family of Donna Mahoney

My address:

449 North Main Street #3

Mansfield, Ma. 02048

Please address it to me and on the back write "To Donna".