Help Heather, 16 yrs old, to Crush Cancer
Donation protected
Heather, who just celebrated her 16th birthday in February, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer which has spread to her lungs.
The type of tumor Heather has is called myxopapillary ependymoma (MEPN). She was first diagnosed with this type of tumor on her spine when she was 10 years old. After successful surgery and treatment, Heather had been declared cancer-free for the last 5 years.
In late 2019 she developed a cough and suspected respiratory infection. Further tests showed the cancer had in fact spread to her lungs. She underwent lung surgery to remove two of the tumors, and it was discovered she had over 20 tumors in both lungs.
Because these tumors are so rare, there are no definitive therapeutic guidelines for treatment. Heather is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but if she doesn’t respond she may need other more aggressive treatment, including the possibility of a complete lung transplant.
While her family has health insurance, the out of pocket expenses are quickly sky-rocketing and they can’t keep up. Her insurance doesn’t cover travel expenses to see pediatric oncology specialists around the country who have experience dealing with this rare form of cancer.
Heather has two young siblings, Eliza who is 4 years old, and Owen who is 2 years old. Heather’s mom and dad are both Navy Veterans, and her stepdad is an Active Duty Marine who recently got orders to the East Coast. This means her mom is currently managing her young family and Heather’s health situation on her own.
We are asking for help to pay for Heather’s continued medical and travel expenses and also to fund some recreational activities to keep her spirits up. Heather is an amazing young woman, who is incredibly brave and is maintaining a positive outlook. She attends school between treatments as much as she can, but is struggling to keep up due to her absences. Most of all she wants to be around her friends and to feel normal.
Anything you can do to help Heather and her family will make a huge difference in their lives. There is no donation too small. If you are unable to donate, please continue to share her story (with the hashtag #HelpHeather16CrushCancer)
Thank you for your help and support.
The type of tumor Heather has is called myxopapillary ependymoma (MEPN). She was first diagnosed with this type of tumor on her spine when she was 10 years old. After successful surgery and treatment, Heather had been declared cancer-free for the last 5 years.
In late 2019 she developed a cough and suspected respiratory infection. Further tests showed the cancer had in fact spread to her lungs. She underwent lung surgery to remove two of the tumors, and it was discovered she had over 20 tumors in both lungs.
Because these tumors are so rare, there are no definitive therapeutic guidelines for treatment. Heather is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but if she doesn’t respond she may need other more aggressive treatment, including the possibility of a complete lung transplant.
While her family has health insurance, the out of pocket expenses are quickly sky-rocketing and they can’t keep up. Her insurance doesn’t cover travel expenses to see pediatric oncology specialists around the country who have experience dealing with this rare form of cancer.
Heather has two young siblings, Eliza who is 4 years old, and Owen who is 2 years old. Heather’s mom and dad are both Navy Veterans, and her stepdad is an Active Duty Marine who recently got orders to the East Coast. This means her mom is currently managing her young family and Heather’s health situation on her own.
We are asking for help to pay for Heather’s continued medical and travel expenses and also to fund some recreational activities to keep her spirits up. Heather is an amazing young woman, who is incredibly brave and is maintaining a positive outlook. She attends school between treatments as much as she can, but is struggling to keep up due to her absences. Most of all she wants to be around her friends and to feel normal.
Anything you can do to help Heather and her family will make a huge difference in their lives. There is no donation too small. If you are unable to donate, please continue to share her story (with the hashtag #HelpHeather16CrushCancer)
Thank you for your help and support.
Fundraising team: #HelpHeather16CrushCancer (4)
Amy Johnson
Organizer
Carlsbad, CA
Jessica Hutchins
Beneficiary
Sueann Garzon
Team member
Susan Taylor
Team member