In Memory of Anna Belak

Sadly this fundraiser has changed from one of trying to help make Anna more comfortable to focused on helping her family through this difficult time. Anna passed away from her cancer on July 21, 2024.

Funds will be used to cover necessary expenses (medical bills, funeral arrangements, etc) as well as help Joe and their kids move forward during this extremely difficult time.

Thank you for your support!

Below is the original text:

I'm Josh Chessman and recently my good friend and previous coworker Anna discovered that she has cancer. In her own words:

“I am very sick. I have stage IV cancer, which was discovered on May 14 with a casual CT scan to figure out the source of the back pain I had at RSAC (RSA Conference). This revealed "innumerable" lytic lesions all over my spine. We're still in the process of identifying the source cancer, but it seems quite likely now that it's breast cancer, probably the triple negative variety, which is the most aggressive type. Once I'm diagnosed, I'll start chemo and whatever else they decide to throw at me, and maybe it will allow me to live a few more years. And that number can be anywhere from 1 to 20 from what we know right now.”

Anna has two children (18mos and 6yrs) and a husband who are going through this with her. A lot of people are asking Anna and her friends how they can help. Instead of everyone guessing what they might need, this fund can give them the freedom to enjoy the moments while dealing with whatever arises.

Anna and her family’s needs are wide and vary from day to day and week to week. By providing a fund they can use when they need, whether to cover medical and related expenses (copays, medical equipment, etc), for someone to help out around the house, drive Anna to doctors appointments, watch the girls while Joe accompanies Anna to treatment, or just be able to spend time together and enjoy themselves and relax. Basically a fund for them to use for whatever they need when they need it during this trying time. 

Joe (Anna’s husband) is the beneficiary for this fundraiser and will be receiving the money directly.