Operation put Miss Lisa in Remission

My friend Lisa Bernauer, affectionately known as Miss Lisa by her kindergarten students and their families, has, for many years been an exceptional educator in the Las Vegas school system.

She helped open Discovery Charter School in 2010. Then, after managing their office Lisa moved into her rightful habitat; the classroom.  Miss Lisa is the teacher we never forget. The teacher that makes learning feel like an adventure every day. Parents wait in line to get their kids on Miss Lisa’s roster & into her “creative, cocoon of a classroom.”

Though credentialed, I feel that Lisa’s intuition guides her teaching style & has provided years of creative hands-on project-based and place-based learning for her students. Sometimes that would mean turning her classroom into an art museum, an airport, a veterinary clinic, a movie theater or even an opera house!




Miss Lisa implemented the kindness crew at her school and built a community garden with the help of an Eagle Scout. She was also the first teacher to actualize a nature-based learning program in Las Vegas called “Forest Fridays.”  Because of her unique teaching style & continual success with her students, Miss Lisa was rightfully highlighted in 2018 during Teacher Appreciation Week  on a local news channel.

In spite of her accomplishments, Lisa says she “has danced with cancer for almost 13 years.” Diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Cancer (a rarer cancer that only affects 5% of breast cancer victims) since the age of 41, she has researched all aspects of her cancer.   I’ve watched her converse with several experts about her specific strain of cancer. Often she knows more than they do! Lisa has undergone multiple surgeries, a bilateral mastectomy, reconstruction, taken chemotherapy and radiation treatments along with various hormonal therapies.

Despite following all known approved medical protocols, in March of 2018 at the age of 52, Lisa’s cancer returned for the third time… Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer.  Reasoning with her cancer, Lisa said “I don’t mind living with my cancer… & I’ve told it so. If you kill me, you will die as well.”  Much to the chagrin of many Las Vegas families, Miss Lisa had to retire from the classroom last year because of her health.

Today, because of her undying optimism, Miss Lisa continues to mentor students part-time and is currently training Nalu, her therapy dog to work with children who also suffer from cancer.  At the recommendation of her traditional oncologist, last month Lisa met with Dr. James Forsythe, Nevada’s only integrative oncologist. Using additional nontraditional & cutting edge methods, he feels confident that he can get Lisa in “good remission.” And because these protocols are not covered under insurance of which Lisa has none, all expenses have to be paid out of pocket.

Unfortunately, the financial ramifications of having a chronic disease like cancer can be devastating. Lisa has used all of her personal resources and is completely tapped out.  Despite this, Lisa is still the most positive & thoughtful individual I know. She is an addition to this planet & especially to those who get to come in contact with her directly.

So, with the urging of those that love her, Lisa & I have created this GoFundMe account in order to allow Lisa to travel to Reno and take 3 weeks of intense treatment that will address her specific cancer. Time is of the essence as her last PET Scan showed the cancer was attacking her left lung.  We are hopeful this next round of treatment will give her more years to enhance student learning, advocate in her community for better health care for women with breast cancer and watch her own children live full, successful lives.

Her treatment includes:
Pre-treatment blood work                                                                          $895.00
PICC Line Insertion @ St. Mary's Hospital                                     $2,534.70
3 Weeks of IPT Chemotherapy 2x per week                                $9,048.00
Immunological Infusions 5x per week                                           $18,000.00
Post treatment blood work                                                                         $895.00
Post treatment supplementation.                                                           $700.00
At home oral chemotherapy 3 months                                             unknown
21 day stay @ Marriott Residence Inn                                             $2,560.00

My friend Lisa needs our support. If you are able to help at this time, it would be much appreciated!
Any further questions, you're welcome to reach out to me or Lisa directly.
Namaste,
Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.
702 [phone redacted]

Oh, and donations can also be mailed directly to Lisa at her tiny home:

Lisa Bernauer
7626 W Lone Mountain Rd. #51
Las Vegas, Nevada 89129
702 [phone redacted]

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