Alison's Medical Fund

On August 9th our sister Alison was admitted to Jackson Madison County General Hospital (JMCGH) because of her intense chest pains. The doctors performed more tests, and what was first thought to be a blood clot, turned out to be a 5cm tumor in her left lung. And on August 14, 2017 it was confirmed that the tumor was cancerous. The original diagnosis was small cell lung cancer (SCLC), but none of the normal markers were present. It is very uncommon for a non-smoker to be diagnosed with SCLC, so more tests were conducted over the last couple of months at Kirkland Cancer Center and West Cancer Center. Later on, the pathologist changed the diagnosis to non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but there were still no markers to confirm this diagnosis. To better treat her and make a definite diagnosis, her oncologist requested a genetics test be performed on the tissue from her core biopsy. While waiting for the results of the genetics test she received 2 rounds of chemo in Jackson, TN at Kirkland Cancer Center in August and September. After the 2 rounds were complete, she scheduled a consultation with a medical oncologist at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. And on October 12, 2017, at her consultation, she was finally informed by the medical oncologist that the results of her genetics test showed she had a rare cancer called NUT midline carcinoma.
NUT midline carcinoma is a rare genetically defined, very aggressive squamous cell epithelial cancer that usually arises in the midline of the body and is characterized by a chromosomal rearrangement in the nuclear protein in testis gene. Currently there are only a few documented cases with a survival rate of less than 3%.

When she and our mother arrived in Houston on Oct 11th they only expected to stay for a week or so, but with the new diagnosis, treatment had to start as soon as possible. Surgical oncologist at MD Anderson determined the tumor was inoperable because her current PET Scan and EBUS showed she has lymph nodes in the center of her chest that are also cancer. She is receiving chemotherapy and radiation for six weeks at MD Anderson.

We have hesitated to do a fundraiser per her request until now. With her medical and everyday expenses continuously accumulating, not even to mention the ones to come, we are attempting to help lessen her financial burden as much as possible so that she can focus all of her energy in to getting better and getting home.

We have already set up an account at Bank of Halls located in Halls, TN for donations, but knowing she has so many friends and family that do not live in Halls, we decided to create this Go Fund Me to make it easier for everyone that wants to donate. The funds will be deposited into the account at Bank of Halls.

Any additional donated funds raised and not used for her medical and daily expenses will be donated to Nut Midline Carcinoma research.

If you are fortunate enough to donate we greatly appreciate it. Please remember that every dollar helps and If you can not donate we ask that you please pray for our sister and our family. 

Thank you and God Bless!
Angela, Paul and Paige