Patti’s Fight with Stage IV Melanoma

In January of this year, my Mom, Patti, went to the ER for leg pain and swelling. The hospital did an X-ray and found a lesion on her left tibia. Because of that, she was referred to an Orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation. On February 8th, they performed an MRI of her leg and in that moment our lives were turned upside down—my mom had a large tumor, which they believed was cancer. Next, she was referred to an Orthopedic Oncologist in Albany, who performed many tests and biopsied the tumor. On March 16, 2023, my mother was formally diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. After that, she was referred to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and has been receiving immunotherapy treatments there ever since. As you all know, travel isn’t easy when you’re sick, and doing it frequently is expensive. Trips have been taking between 6-8 hours one way, and always require at least one night in a hotel, sometimes two.  She is eligible for reduced rates sometimes, but sometimes they aren’t available, as others need them too.  Please consider donating to help alleviate some of the financial burden, and essentially help my mother in her fight against this terrible disease.  Anyone who knows my mom knows that she is a selfless and loving mom, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, who would give anyone the shirt off her back.  We will do whatever it takes to get her the best care possible for as long as necessary.  Thank you all so much for your kindness! We will keep you updated.