Help Melissa Risher fight terminal cancer
Donation protected
As many of you already know, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cholangio Carcinoma this past Thanksgiving. It's basically bile duct cancer in my liver. What most of you do not know is that it is a rare and extremely aggressive form of cancer and I have been given a 5 year survival rate of only 7%. Although my doctor has higher expectations for me due to my age and overall health, my prognosis is still pretty bleak. However, I am a hard-headed fighter, so don't count me out yet!
I am, by nature, a generous, fun-loving, positive person and asking for help has been very difficult for me. I believe that everything happens for a reason and although I would prefer to not to have to deal with such an uphill battle, I know that this is my fate and I am ready to take this on with everything that I have!
Luckily, I was recently accepted into a potentially life extending clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Without this amazing, newly FDA approved medication, my survival chances drop dramatically. I will also be receiving chemotherapy to try and stop my cancer from metastasizing to any additional lymph nodes. Currently, it has spread to 4 lymph nodes just outside of my liver and to a lymph node in between my lungs. Radiation will follow in hopes of reducing the tumor in my liver.
I need your help big time! All raised funds will assist with my mind blowing copays, ever-growing extensive medical bills given that I am no longer able to work, as well as, gas, travel & lodging expenses associated with my must have clinical trial in Jacksonville. Most importantly, these funds will provide support for my devastated family. They mean more than life itself to me and not being able to contribute to our daily living expenses makes me feel...worthless. I need to focus on fighting and healing, not on which bill collector is calling or how we are going to pay rent. Every single penny helps, so any donation is so greatly appreciated! Please pray for our family and PLEASE SHARE!
I am, by nature, a generous, fun-loving, positive person and asking for help has been very difficult for me. I believe that everything happens for a reason and although I would prefer to not to have to deal with such an uphill battle, I know that this is my fate and I am ready to take this on with everything that I have!
Luckily, I was recently accepted into a potentially life extending clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Without this amazing, newly FDA approved medication, my survival chances drop dramatically. I will also be receiving chemotherapy to try and stop my cancer from metastasizing to any additional lymph nodes. Currently, it has spread to 4 lymph nodes just outside of my liver and to a lymph node in between my lungs. Radiation will follow in hopes of reducing the tumor in my liver.
I need your help big time! All raised funds will assist with my mind blowing copays, ever-growing extensive medical bills given that I am no longer able to work, as well as, gas, travel & lodging expenses associated with my must have clinical trial in Jacksonville. Most importantly, these funds will provide support for my devastated family. They mean more than life itself to me and not being able to contribute to our daily living expenses makes me feel...worthless. I need to focus on fighting and healing, not on which bill collector is calling or how we are going to pay rent. Every single penny helps, so any donation is so greatly appreciated! Please pray for our family and PLEASE SHARE!
Fundraising team (3)
Melissa Risher
Organizer
Mt. Pleasant, SC
James Risher
Team member
Karla Groeschel
Team member