Help Carolyn Kick Cancer & Bills
Donation protected
Most of you know the past 3 years have been rough for me. It started with a work-related injury in August 2012 and 4 subsequent surgeries to my hand, which have prevented me from playing piano and guitar to the degree I did previously.
Then an auto accident in May 2013 that left me with permanent injuries to my neck and back.
Now, the most recent health crisis is cancer.
On August 4, 2015 (after consulting with 4 different gynecologists), I had a hysterectomy to remove what the doctors thought was a benign fibroid or polyp. It turned out to be 12 cm cancerous tumor. The labs confirmed I have a rare and aggressive cancer called Leiomyosarcoma. Less than 50 cases a year are diagnosed, so there is not a lot of research to determine course of treatment, other than wait for it to reoccur.
The recurrence rate and frequency is high. And I decided I didn't want to live my life waiting for the cancer to come back in the lungs, or stomach or pancreas and then have it cut out, or worse, be inoperable and then jump to stage 4.
So I was referred to a Sarcoma specialist at the John Thereur Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. I love my doctor, I trust him. Even though the first type of treatment nearly killed me (I spent more time in the ER than at home during the first few weeks), we recently started a new chemo treatment with fewer, less severe side effects.
I had my second treatment with the new drug yesterday. And after each round, I go for 7 consecutive days of Neuprogen shots to keep my white count up and prevent infection.
As you can imagine, since the bills are piling up, I'm overwhelmed and stressed about how I am going to pay them, let alone pay rent and living essentials.
I was laid off from work February 2013. I was able to live off workers comp and temp disability til last October, Then within a week of each other in October 2014, workers comp and the auto insurance company deemed me maximum medical improvement, and all source of income stopped.
I have been fighting with NJ State Disabiity who keeps denying my application (have a lawyer helping me now). But I have gone through my savings during the past 13 months and am requesting help from those who are able to give it.
I have been blessed with people who have sent me checks, gift cards to local supermarkets, provided me with rides to/from chemo, lab visits, doctor follow ups and more.
It is very difficult for me to ask for help. Up to my August 2012 injury, I had always had a good job, and provided my time. talent and treasure to my church, community and friends in need. But I need help now. Every little bit helps. If you prefer to mail a check or gift card in lieu of using this site, my address is Carolyn Messina PO Box 11226 Fairfield NJ 07004.
Again, I am grateful and blessed to know so many wonderful people who have been supporting me with prayer, words of encouragement, and financial support when possible.
God is Good.... All the Time!
Blessings to you all. And I thank you in advance for any financial support you can provide.'
Then an auto accident in May 2013 that left me with permanent injuries to my neck and back.
Now, the most recent health crisis is cancer.
On August 4, 2015 (after consulting with 4 different gynecologists), I had a hysterectomy to remove what the doctors thought was a benign fibroid or polyp. It turned out to be 12 cm cancerous tumor. The labs confirmed I have a rare and aggressive cancer called Leiomyosarcoma. Less than 50 cases a year are diagnosed, so there is not a lot of research to determine course of treatment, other than wait for it to reoccur.
The recurrence rate and frequency is high. And I decided I didn't want to live my life waiting for the cancer to come back in the lungs, or stomach or pancreas and then have it cut out, or worse, be inoperable and then jump to stage 4.
So I was referred to a Sarcoma specialist at the John Thereur Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. I love my doctor, I trust him. Even though the first type of treatment nearly killed me (I spent more time in the ER than at home during the first few weeks), we recently started a new chemo treatment with fewer, less severe side effects.
I had my second treatment with the new drug yesterday. And after each round, I go for 7 consecutive days of Neuprogen shots to keep my white count up and prevent infection.
As you can imagine, since the bills are piling up, I'm overwhelmed and stressed about how I am going to pay them, let alone pay rent and living essentials.
I was laid off from work February 2013. I was able to live off workers comp and temp disability til last October, Then within a week of each other in October 2014, workers comp and the auto insurance company deemed me maximum medical improvement, and all source of income stopped.
I have been fighting with NJ State Disabiity who keeps denying my application (have a lawyer helping me now). But I have gone through my savings during the past 13 months and am requesting help from those who are able to give it.
I have been blessed with people who have sent me checks, gift cards to local supermarkets, provided me with rides to/from chemo, lab visits, doctor follow ups and more.
It is very difficult for me to ask for help. Up to my August 2012 injury, I had always had a good job, and provided my time. talent and treasure to my church, community and friends in need. But I need help now. Every little bit helps. If you prefer to mail a check or gift card in lieu of using this site, my address is Carolyn Messina PO Box 11226 Fairfield NJ 07004.
Again, I am grateful and blessed to know so many wonderful people who have been supporting me with prayer, words of encouragement, and financial support when possible.
God is Good.... All the Time!
Blessings to you all. And I thank you in advance for any financial support you can provide.'
Organizer
Carolyn Messina
Organizer
Fairfield, NJ