Medical Bill assistance & Handicap renovation

That's me and my baby sister, Heather. I am on the left. We traveled throughout our childhood as military brats and often we were each other's only playmates for months on end. Although adulthood would separate us by thousands of miles, life's hard knocks would drive us back together. For many years our 'bucket list' plan has been to own a home where we could take care of each other and just be crazy, craft ladies in our old age. On July 27, 2021, I took the first step toward making that possible by purchasing a fixer-upper that I knew was within my skills to renovate.

During this process, an era also known as 'Covid', I began to experience repeated cases of shingles and excruciating back pain. Doctors knew something wasn't right, but testing did not point to answers. The debilitating mystery continued until October 2021. I fell, paralyzed in the kitchen and had to call 911. My vertebrae had collapsed on my spinal cord requiring extensive surgery. When I came out of the anesthesia I was told that I had Stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to my spine, pelvis, skull, and liver. A metal cage was installed to protect the nerves from further injury. Nobody was sure if I would walk again.

Since that first surgery, I have gone through several rounds of radiation, and physical therapy, as well as additional hospital stays, oxygen therapy, and clinical trials. Costs for a hospital bed, oxygen concentrator, and doctor bills have taken their toll on my credit cards. Doctors want me to go on disability, however, that is not financially feasible. I am fortunate my employer allows me work accomodations with FMLA. Despite permanent nerve damage, shortness of breath, and pulmonary embolisms, I can get my work done through the week and walk short distances with a cane.

Multiple lines of treatment have failed. Tests recently revealed that my cancer has mutated to ESR1. This mutation explains how the cancer has been able to resist the standard practice of care while causing aggressive tumor growth. A medication approved to fight that mutation was approved by the FDA this year; however, due to it being so new, my insurance requires it to be on the market for a year before adding it to the list of approved medications on our plan. Until 2024, my monthly cost will be $7,500/month.

As I write this I am planning to undergo my second spinal surgery in two days, Friday, August 18th. These persistent tumors have broken down the bone marrow throughout my thoracic spine, and have quickly caused additional damage. Doctors fear that I am at high risk of becoming paralyzed if action is not taken quickly. Having my spine fused from my neck to my waist is going to present mobility issues that - at best - can be addressed by installing aids such as a stair lift ($6,000), a walk-in shower ($10,000), and an accessible toilet with a bidet ($2,000).

It is hard accepting that I will not be able to 'fix up' my 'fixer-upper' myself. But I am incredibly blessed that my sister still wants to be a part of my 'bucket list' plan. She is leaving behind amazing friends, close family, and a rewarding career to come to the heat of Texas and take care of her big sister. I know that God will make a way. It is with faith and humility that I thank you for reading my story. I am grateful in advance that you would consider donating. I pray that you have peace and health and that you hold those you love just a little closer.