Support Brenda's Skin Cancer Surgery
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Two weeks ago my mom, Brenda Arellano, was diagnosed with Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma - an uncommon but aggressive form of skin cancer. The visible lesion is on the bridge of her nose and lower eyelid. She had a biopsy two years ago but received a misdiagnosis that, unfortunately, allowed the cancer to continue spreading. Now the lesion is dangerously close to her eye and tear duct.
This is the very same skin cancer that I was treated for six years ago. Similarly, my skin cancer was misdiagnosed for years and by the time I received treatment the cancer had taken my entire right eyebrow, upper eyelid, a large portion of my forehead and all the muscle and nerves underneath. My treatment required Mohs surgery and reconstruction with an adjacent tissue transfer and a full depth skin graft. Recovery was slow and painful.
My mom will also need Mohs surgery and reconstruction, but until she receives that first surgery we won't know the extent of the cancer, what kinds of reconstruction she will need, or how long her recovery will take. What we do know is that she needs Mohs surgery as soon as possible.
To complicate things, after the deaths of both her husband and her brother, my mom now lives alone in Acapulco, Mexico - without insurance. My mom does have family and a support system in Oregon, so we'd like her to come here for treatment.
I'm asking for donations to help cover Brenda's travel expenses, the cost for her treatment, and her living expenses while she is recuperating (and can't work).
Your support is appreciated!!!
This is the very same skin cancer that I was treated for six years ago. Similarly, my skin cancer was misdiagnosed for years and by the time I received treatment the cancer had taken my entire right eyebrow, upper eyelid, a large portion of my forehead and all the muscle and nerves underneath. My treatment required Mohs surgery and reconstruction with an adjacent tissue transfer and a full depth skin graft. Recovery was slow and painful.
My mom will also need Mohs surgery and reconstruction, but until she receives that first surgery we won't know the extent of the cancer, what kinds of reconstruction she will need, or how long her recovery will take. What we do know is that she needs Mohs surgery as soon as possible.
To complicate things, after the deaths of both her husband and her brother, my mom now lives alone in Acapulco, Mexico - without insurance. My mom does have family and a support system in Oregon, so we'd like her to come here for treatment.
I'm asking for donations to help cover Brenda's travel expenses, the cost for her treatment, and her living expenses while she is recuperating (and can't work).
Your support is appreciated!!!
Fundraising team (2)
Chariti Li Montez
Organiser
Portland, OR
Brenda Arellano
Team member