Leesa Roper Dunn’s Cancer Journey
Donation protected
Dear friends,
I’m reaching out for help with my daughter’s ongoing cancer journey.
As many of you know, my daughter Leesa Roper Dunn, has been battling an aggressive life threatening oral cancer that was diagnosed in 2016. Since then she has undergone countless major surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and other painful and costly cancer related procedures.
This has left her with major life changing disabilities that include:
•The removal of her larynx (voice box). She can no longer speak or make any vocal sounds at all.
•A stoma was created in her neck to allow her to breath.
•She is unable to swallow anything, including water. All hydration and nutrition are given via a gastric feeding tube. Unfortunately Leesa continues to crave food the same way you or I do.
•She has a gaping hole just under her jaw that has never healed and remains an open wound.
•Half of her lower jawbone has been removed due to the cancer spread. The other half of her jawbone is now dying, is causing unbearable pain and subsequently her teeth are also falling out. This puts her at risk for a life threatening bone infection and requires immediate surgery to remove the dying bone.
The silver lining is that she has remained cancer free since 2017. We have no words to adequately express our gratitude for that!!!
Leesa requires three complicated surgeries this year, with the first surgery scheduled April 12, 2022. To restore blood flow to her jaw they will be taking blood vessels from other parts of her body. They will be rebuilding a new jaw with bone from her leg and tissue from her thigh. The surgeries will be done at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
Unfortunately Leesa did not qualify for Social Security disability. Although she has worked most of her adult life, the 10 years prior to her cancer diagnosis she was a stay at home mom and this excludes her from these benefits.
Leesa continues to battle for her life and her independence. She thrives on supporting people going through struggles of their own and takes pleasure in preparing meals and sending notes of love and encouragement to those who are suffering. Leesa has a strong desire to live life to the fullest even with the incredible obstacles that she now faces.
I am asking for financial support to help her achieve that goal.
In addition to the enormous medical costs, each surgery will also require lodging andb round trip transportation for her and her husband from their home in Florida to the The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
I understand that this has been a challenging time for many people. I deeply appreciate any amount that you can spare at this time and thank you for your generosity in advance!!
With Love,
Teri
I’m reaching out for help with my daughter’s ongoing cancer journey.
As many of you know, my daughter Leesa Roper Dunn, has been battling an aggressive life threatening oral cancer that was diagnosed in 2016. Since then she has undergone countless major surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and other painful and costly cancer related procedures.
This has left her with major life changing disabilities that include:
•The removal of her larynx (voice box). She can no longer speak or make any vocal sounds at all.
•A stoma was created in her neck to allow her to breath.
•She is unable to swallow anything, including water. All hydration and nutrition are given via a gastric feeding tube. Unfortunately Leesa continues to crave food the same way you or I do.
•She has a gaping hole just under her jaw that has never healed and remains an open wound.
•Half of her lower jawbone has been removed due to the cancer spread. The other half of her jawbone is now dying, is causing unbearable pain and subsequently her teeth are also falling out. This puts her at risk for a life threatening bone infection and requires immediate surgery to remove the dying bone.
The silver lining is that she has remained cancer free since 2017. We have no words to adequately express our gratitude for that!!!
Leesa requires three complicated surgeries this year, with the first surgery scheduled April 12, 2022. To restore blood flow to her jaw they will be taking blood vessels from other parts of her body. They will be rebuilding a new jaw with bone from her leg and tissue from her thigh. The surgeries will be done at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
Unfortunately Leesa did not qualify for Social Security disability. Although she has worked most of her adult life, the 10 years prior to her cancer diagnosis she was a stay at home mom and this excludes her from these benefits.
Leesa continues to battle for her life and her independence. She thrives on supporting people going through struggles of their own and takes pleasure in preparing meals and sending notes of love and encouragement to those who are suffering. Leesa has a strong desire to live life to the fullest even with the incredible obstacles that she now faces.
I am asking for financial support to help her achieve that goal.
In addition to the enormous medical costs, each surgery will also require lodging andb round trip transportation for her and her husband from their home in Florida to the The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
I understand that this has been a challenging time for many people. I deeply appreciate any amount that you can spare at this time and thank you for your generosity in advance!!
With Love,
Teri
Fundraising team: Team fundraiser (4)
Teri Lynn
Organizer
Mapleton, UT
Leesa Dunn
Beneficiary
Leesa Dunn
Team member
Trent Dunn
Team member