Support Cory Kruzska (Watson) and Elias

Hi, my name is Carolyn Liebler and I'm asking you to help support my dear friend Cory and her son Elias. Here are some words by Elias and Cory about their experiences on Cory's breast cancer journey. Funds raised will help with basics like food and rent, health expenses like deductibles, health options like acupuncture, comforts like soft hats, and Cory's attendance at a special camp for four days this summer for people on breast cancer journeys (Breasties Gathering -- she was accepted this week!). Please contribute as much as you can!

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Hi, My name is Elias Bailey. I’m the one and only son of Cory Kruzska (Watson). I’m turning 12 this summer!

As some of you may know, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2022. When I found out I was sad obviously. But I have stayed positive and grateful. She started treatment right away but there’s still a long way to go. I love her very much and she has been through a lot. She is positive, strong, and ready to continue treatment.

I am so grateful for all the people who have helped out so far. The doctors, nurses, friends, and family. My grandpa and grandma have helped with transportation, friends send meals and I do my chores haha. I also want to thank all the doctors and nurses that help with my mom's health. I would also like to thank the company Angel, who sent us notebooks and even a stuffed animal. She also got this awesome free wig. Just after she got it, she started watching this comedy show and what do you know, the star character wears the same wig!!

Even with all this help we still need help financially because my mom has a long journey ahead. So if you have any money laying around feel free to donate. It doesn’t matter how big or small, it will help cover treatment, monthly bills, and even cat food haha. Also, if you are unable to donate please pray for my mom. Thank you so much. My mom is so loving to me the cat and anyone she meets. Please help me support her through this time.

-Love

Elias and Silky (the cat)

Also, below are some words from my mom describing her experience and feelings over the last year.

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It is Spring. One of the best times of the year. All the bright greens peaking through the browns and grays. The birds' singing echoing through streets of leafless trees.

Over the past two years, I rediscovered my passion for growing vegetables, flowers, and creating landscape designs. Spring is the time the tulips reach up after a long winter under the cold, dark snow. I believe we planted over 100 last Fall. During the summer of 2022 I was working in the garden and began to notice that my energy levels were dwindling. In August of 2022 I found a mass in my right breast. November 3rd I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In December after surgery a rare, more aggressive form of cancer was discovered. I began chemotherapy in January at Regions Cancer Center in St. Paul, MN. On April 6th, 2023 I finished my last dose of Taxol. April 13th I will begin the last 4 treatments of two chemotherapy drugs. After the completion of chemotherapy a double mastectomy is planned.

Side effects vary for cancer patients. During this time I have had few, other than fatigue, thin skin, light sensitivities and emotional fragility. Similar to Life’s side effects. This process is evolving and unpredictable. These next treatments will be the most challenging of this cycle. It is all a challenge. What is most important to me is getting a strong foundation, leaning in to those who love and care for us and move forward stronger through experience. I am incredibly blessed to have healthy, vibrant, loving and compassionate parents. They have managed to make it work for them to stay in the cities temporarily even though their home is in Alaska. It is such a treat for Elias to have even more family in the Cities for the summer and to continue to be surrounded by love and support as this process unfolds.

I must take this time to focus on healing my body, my mind and my spirit. I have begun to re-realize the importance of having goals, ideas, adventures and plans. It instills Hope. And Hope is an anchor.