Our beloved Rissa's fight for life

Hello, family and friends of our beloved Riss ❤️

Update on May 26, 2023

Unfortunately, after 6 months of trialing the miraculous combination of Medications targeted to block specific hormone receptors; thought to be responsible for accelerating and spreading Rissa's cancer, the latest updates from the Medical team have been less than satisfactory. Rissa and her family were told that her cancer had spread to her lumbar spine and upper chest/clavicle nodes. Which is devastating for all of us. We, on the other hand, do not give up. The research continues, the trials of supplements and alternatives continue, and the wonder cocktail persists, despite its ravenous, terrible adverse effects. Rissa will have another MRI Scan in June - this is as the focus is the spine tumor growth.

This signifies that a decision will be made regarding the next steps available, if any. There is talk of using targeted radiation to try to limit the spread of her lumbar spine cancer. Her cancer, on the other hand, is incredibly aggressive and will almost certainly find another location in her body to grow, practically chasing it around endlessly. Especially with her PALB2 gene probably playing a part.

We're all obviously heartbroken and helpless about what our dear Riss, Fish & Taylor kiddlets are going through; it affects their close relatives as well as their many many close friends. We're all eager to help but don't know what to do or say. I'd like to encourage you to give whatever you can, even if it's just a small amount. For example, instead of going out for coffee with Riss like I used to, I'll donate that amount to the Go Fund Me page so she knows I'm thinking about her and care about her.

That is only one incentive to donate; there are also the ever-increasing and ongoing costs of fighting cancer. Most people don't talk about the immense financial burden cancer places on a person and their family; it's practically taboo, but it shouldn't be. It's exorbitantly priced. As I write this, one treatment for Riss costs close to $600 for a fortnight and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. That's only one of three treatments she's trialling right now, with the possibility of additional after the Scan in June. This money comes on top of the Taylors' efforts to make lifelong memories, such as creating the dream home they've been planning for several years, with enough time for them to enjoy it as a family.

So, please, please, please consider redirecting your feelings of powerlessness into meaningful donations; ALL of this money goes straight to Rissa's account, along with your notes of love and support, and I can assure you that she reads and appreciates each and every one of them.

Take care of yourselves and each other friends, and as Riss says #awarenessiskey #informationispower #bookyourcheckup