Outreach in Support of Brenda Hodge

Hi, my name is Tina Ulsh and I am organizing this fundraiser as a means of materially supporting Brenda Hodge as she disentangles herself from Clyde (her breast cancer). Brenda was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. For her more science-minded friends, the pathology report reads:

Histologic type: Infiltrating mammary carcinoma, no special type (infiltrating duct carcinoma) arising within areas of duct carcinoma in situ.

Histologic grade of infiltrating carcinoma: Nottingham Grade 2. Glandular/Tubular differentiation: 2, Nuclear pleomorphism: 3, Mitotic count: 1, Total score: 6

Histology of duct carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Nuclear grade: 3, Necrosis: Focally present as comedonecrosis, Architectural patterns: Solid, cribriform, and comedocarcinoma, DCIS as % of tumor: Approximately 80%, Microcalcifications: Present within areas of duct carcinoma in situ.

ER: Positive (100% positive, intensity – strong), PgR: Positive (70% positive, intensity – moderate), Her2: Negative (Score 0-1+)

For her less science-minded friends, it means that her biopsy indicated an early find of breast cancer. She will undergo surgery on June 29 to remove Clyde. Radiation treatments will follow. The prognosis is good and her outlook is positive.

Brenda serves her community as a stellar running coach, selfless friend, and loving, involved mother. She is the epitome of compassion and takes great pleasure in helping those around her. Those of you who know her know this to be true. Due to the non traditional nature of her work, the benefits that many of us take for granted (employer contribution to high deductible health plan, etc.) when we face health challenges will not be there for her to take advantage of. That's where we can step in. Brenda would be the last person to ask for help but the first person to offer it. This is exactly why I ask you on her behalf to contribute what you can in order to alleviate the financial burden Clyde may have on Brenda. Every little bit will help.

Please see Brenda's website (Run 717 ) for periodic updates as she overcomes this challenge just like the previous ones she has faced.