Help Jodi Montano Fight Metastatic Breast Cancer

Hi, I’m Tony Ferrara. I’m humbly hoping to raise funds for my fiancée Jodi. My beautiful, kind-hearted partner, who followed all the rules, went to doctors regularly, religiously got her annual mammograms…for reasons beyond our understanding, was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic HER2 -, HR+ Breast Cancer in February 2020 after following up on a pain in her side which lead to a scan that changed her life. None of us can unsee that first PET scan that lit up everywhere…lungs, liver, bones, breast.

For 3 ½ years, longer than statistics say it should work, she’s been keeping the cancer at bay with endochrine therapy and CDK 4/6 inhibitors, Letrozole & Ibrance. The latest PET scan finally showed disease progression so it’s time to change treatment.

If breast cancer is caught early, there are many treatment options and potential for positive outcomes. There’s hope. There are much fewer options with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). She’s going to try Faslodex next, another endochrine therapy that statistics say will work for about a year for 30% of patients. She’s looking into trials and alternative treatments as well.

The psychological and physical stress from living with an incurable disease is taking its toll. The financial aspect of this fight has been extremely overwhelming. This fundraising effort is to help ease the burden of the financial stress and help keep Jodi and me in our home and help with the medical bills that are piling up. Battling this horrible disease is physically and emotionally draining. We ask for prayers for healing, courage, and strength. We ask those reading this to consider opening their hearts and giving anything you can. The days are difficult enough without the financial burden. Your generosity and kindness are most appreciated. Let’s give Jodi hope.

Backstory

My fiancée was diagnosed with Scleroderma in her 30’s. We thought that was her big lifetime challenge. Scleroderma is a rare, chronic, autoimmune disease that affects skin and internal organs. It’s a result of the immune system causing inflammation and tissue changes, causing calcium deposits to thicken skin and impact internal organs. Apparently that fight was just a warm up for the true battle of her life…breast cancer.

My partner is a real warrior. She wants to win this war. We’re both on disability due to health issues. Living on social security and modest disability is challenging. We would like to stay in our home for as long as possible and the thought of moving is overwhelming. Jodi’s focus needs to be on fighting this disease. We can use all the positive thoughts and energy and prayers!