Help Michelle spend precious time with family ❤️!

Update 10/17/2024

Michelle has been fighting through these last couple of months like the warrior she is! She's had a number of challenges with chemo, radiation and immunotherapies but still persisted with working with her oncologist with various treatments. Recently, it has been determined that chemo is no longer working and in fact making her weak. She is transitioning into home hospice care and the family is now working with the palliative team to give her the ability to be home and spend as much time with family as possible. With the earlier Gofundme goal of $10,000, Michelle was absolutely amazed and felt very encourage by all the support given especially from people who didn't even know her. We almost doubled that amount.

We are sharing this update to keep you informed, but also give you another opportunity to help them through this difficult period. David used up all his sick time and FMLA benefits. He was also blessed by many of his colleagues that donated PTO hours so he could be there for Michelle especially during the beginning of her treatment. During these next few month, weeks or days, the family wishes to be there for Michelle as much as possible and we'd like them to be free of the financial burdens when David needs to take the time off as the primary caregiver for Michelle. We hope that you can show your love and generosity to them during this challenging time. Your kind support makes a difference. Thank you so much for showing Michelle and her family so much love!

Original Post:

Hi, my name is Mary Ann! In December 2024, my best friend Michelle Sakamoto, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. With no time to process the news, she immediately started her chemotherapy treatments and has completed 4 sessions so far. We know the chemo treatments are working. Michelle has a fighting spirit and we’re here with her every step of the way.

Michelle is everything to her family. Her husband, David lost his own mother, Diane to breast cancer 12 years ago. So this isn't new to him, and he is making sure Michelle's care and needs are being met with all of the endless appointments, doctors visits and everything in between. Their children (Jaz, Max, Alani and Rey) are her joy and pride. She would do anything for her kids and supports them 100% in their passions.

Their world is obviously rocked with her recent cancer diagnoses, but Michelle is up for the fight. I’ve known my dearest best friend since 9th grade and know she is reluctant in asking for help. Being the ever so persuasive best friend and my in-depth experience dealing with my brother’s health situation just a few years ago, I asked them both to consider allowing others to bless them during this time.

The burden cancer brings into someone’s life is already so overwhelming, so I have created this GoFundMe to alleviate some of the financial strain. We are immensely grateful for any support you can provide, whether through a donation or by sharing. Your kindness and generosity during this challenging time are invaluable. We thank you in advance for your compassion and support!

If you personally know Michelle, receiving from others is a struggle for her, but I continue to remind her that so many people have asked how they can help and this is one tangible way to bless her and her family as she battles cancer.