Help Karen Fight Second Cancer Battle
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Brittany, and I am making this GoFundMe dedicated to my family, Karen, Charlie, and Johnny. We come together to extend to them our love and support as they navigate through the hardships of Karen’s recent lung cancer diagnosis.
Our family has experienced many hardships throughout our life – my brother Johnny, who has high support needs from autism, has also needed continuous treatment for his cerebral palsy, OCD, and seizures. Earlier this year, his cerebral palsy was causing mobility issues and he has needed treatments and surgery for the past 5 months.
My dad Charlie battled with tonsil cancer 10 years ago, which is now in remission. He also has been having severe arthritis pain in his neck and shoulders from working full shifts plus overtime for the last 27 years as the sole provider for the family, but has not been able to pursue treatments due to costs and being the only person in the household who can work.
My mom Karen herself has already gone through another cancer – breast cancer, which is now in remission. Earlier this year, my mom Karen was diagnosed with an unknown stage of non-small cell lung cancer that required chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy and other potential treatments such as radiation and additional immunotherapy. Due to presurgical testing, she also found out that she had a lot of previously undiscovered and undiagnosed medical issues, including peripheral vascular disease, that will require a procedure after she’s recovered from surgery. Her doctors also told her that she is BRCA positive and that after the vascular procedure, she will require another surgery to remove her ovaries. She is going through all of this while also being the main full-time caretaker for my brother, Johnny.
By donating to Karen’s Cancer Relief Fund, not only will you be making a major impact with the immediate medical bills, but also will contribute to peace of mind for the whole family.
We hope to raise $50,000 to provide essential assistance to Karen and our family through this difficult time. Our goal is to raise funds to help our family in dealing with the following incremental costs to their lives:
- Medical Treatment. Your donation will contribute to the cost of Karen's ongoing medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, medications, immunotherapy, doctors' appointments, and potentially follow-up radiation and immunotherapy. While Karen is covered under Charlie's insurance, there are additional expenses that are not fully covered, especially specialized treatments. It's important to note that Karen's cancer journey doesn't end when her treatment ends; she will need to visit oncologists, doctors, and undergo tests for the next five years.
- Hospital and Surgical Expenses. Your contribution will help alleviate the financial burden imposed by hospital stays, surgeries, laboratory testing, and other essential procedures required for Karen's recovery. Despite having insurance coverage, there are still copays, deductibles, and other costs that are not covered.
- Prescription Medicine. Your donation will contribute towards the out-of-pocket costs of Karen’s medications, which will ensure that Karen can get the access to treatments and pain management that she needs. The out-of-pocket costs may include copays, partial coverage, or no coverage at all.
- Home Care and Support Needs. Karen was the primary caretaker of her special needs son, Johnny, who has autism, cerebral palsy, and OCD. While she needs to take care of her own health and focus on regaining her strength, the fund will contribute to necessary home care services and adaptations to bolster her recovery.
- Medical Transport. Karen needs to travel for specialized treatments, surgeries, and frequently to doctors offices and hospitals. The fund will ensure that she has the funds to get where she needs to go.
- Non-Medical Expenses. The funds will also go towards relieving unavoidable financial strain that may occur as Karen’s illness continues to impact her life. For example, her decreased mobility may necessitate living aids such as walkers, heating pads, and tools to help with personal hygiene.
We give thanks for every single contribution to the fund, whether big or small. Join us together to uplift Karen, Charlie, and Johnny, and show them they are not alone in this fight. Your generosity can make an incredible impact.
Thank you for your support, contribution, and strength in supporting my family when they need it most. Please share this page with others who may be interested in making a difference in my family’s life. We truly appreciate your presence and willingness to contribute towards their wellbeing.
Organizer and beneficiary
Brittany F
Organizer
Boca Raton, FL
Karen Ferrendi
Beneficiary