Kristina Bode's Story
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Kristina Bode’s Story
Our nine-year-old niece, Kristina, was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma with Lymph Node Involvement, Stage 3b, in July of 2015. Extremely rare amongst children it took everyone by surprise including the medical community. It swiftly plunged our brother, Kurt and his wife, Liz into numerous trips to Childrens then Mass General Hospital in Boston to get ahead of this dangerous form of cancer. Kristina has bravely endured three surgeries this past summer at Mass General. She has such an incredibly positive and strong spirit. We are all considering ourselves blessed to have such great hospitals close by and such an outstanding team of medical professionals but it is still a difficult road and we are all behind them 100%.
She is currently going through a year of interferon/chemotherapy treatment three times per week and will be monitored with weekly trips into Mass General. Although we are feeling optimistic and fortunate with the outcome at this point it has rendered it impossible for both of her parents to work. Liz, a nurse, is out of work indefinately to take care of Kristina and manage the side effects as well as loss of time at school. Kristina and their other four children, Kelsey, Colin, Cassie and Julia are the priority right now.
Many friends and relatives have asked how they can help. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to assist Kurt and Liz continue to provide all that they can for Kristina and the rest of their family as well as defray expenses. We greatly appreciate all contributions, including positive thoughts and prayers.
Your friends,
Erin McCarter and Ann Marie Hershberger
Our nine-year-old niece, Kristina, was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma with Lymph Node Involvement, Stage 3b, in July of 2015. Extremely rare amongst children it took everyone by surprise including the medical community. It swiftly plunged our brother, Kurt and his wife, Liz into numerous trips to Childrens then Mass General Hospital in Boston to get ahead of this dangerous form of cancer. Kristina has bravely endured three surgeries this past summer at Mass General. She has such an incredibly positive and strong spirit. We are all considering ourselves blessed to have such great hospitals close by and such an outstanding team of medical professionals but it is still a difficult road and we are all behind them 100%.
She is currently going through a year of interferon/chemotherapy treatment three times per week and will be monitored with weekly trips into Mass General. Although we are feeling optimistic and fortunate with the outcome at this point it has rendered it impossible for both of her parents to work. Liz, a nurse, is out of work indefinately to take care of Kristina and manage the side effects as well as loss of time at school. Kristina and their other four children, Kelsey, Colin, Cassie and Julia are the priority right now.
Many friends and relatives have asked how they can help. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to assist Kurt and Liz continue to provide all that they can for Kristina and the rest of their family as well as defray expenses. We greatly appreciate all contributions, including positive thoughts and prayers.
Your friends,
Erin McCarter and Ann Marie Hershberger
Organizer and beneficiary
Ann Marie Bode Hershberger
Organizer
Bolton, MA
Elizabeth Bode
Beneficiary