Join Dana (Matijasevic) Storm’s fight with cancer!

In January of 2021, our sweet but fierce cousin Dana was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma that had spread to many parts of her body. For those of you who have never met Dana or gotten to know her, please take our word when we say she's a genuinely exceptional mother, wife, sister and daughter. Her giving has never stopped with her family; It has extended to the church, school and general community. She is what we like to call a giver, not a taker.

Her cancer was a lousy prognosis, and she went through a grueling chemotherapy and radiation regimen. This treatment caused her severe pain and anemia, leading to 10 blood transfusions that nearly took her life. The love for her family and the will to live helped her get to a “disease-free” status in May of 2021. Unfortunately, that would only last six months.

As she began recovering from the side effects and damage due to treatment, she got the news that her follow-up scan had shown some spots. This scan would show metastasis to her heart. It was devastating news; she was told it was not operable and had spread to other parts of her body. At this point, she decided to seek out treatment at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa. The center is located 100 miles from her home.

She began chemoradiation treatments, which required her to visit the hospital daily. She and her husband, Glen, made the daily 4-5 hour trek to get the treatment, hoping to beat it once and for all. Nearly halfway through this treatment, she developed a severe allergic reaction and therapy was abruptly halted. This new twist also led to more scans to recheck her chest and lungs. Three new tumors were found.

Because of the placement of the tumors and her allergy to standard chemotherapy, she is now being offered a potentially life-saving treatment in Tampa. She will be required to obtain housing near the Cancer Center for nearly two months to undergo this treatment.

Since this journey began, Dana and Glen have shown great strength and tenacity. Their love and commitment to each other and their family are truly breathtaking. They are incredibly grateful for their entire family, especially their three beautiful children, Lauren, Ryan and Jacob.

Despite the familial support, this extended ordeal has been extremely stressful and exhausting for the family. The financial strain has been challenging, considering medical bills, travel bills and loss of income. This reoccurrence will bring even more significant pressure. Any contribution will go directly toward these ongoing expenses, and we can’t thank you enough for your generosity at this difficult time.

Thank you, and please share this page. Dana and her family can use all the love and prayers they can get!

May God bless you and yours

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