Support Emily on Her Cancer Journey

Colleen O'Connell is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Emily OConnell.

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Emily O'Connell was diagnosed with hormone-positive breast cancer on October 3rd, 2022 at 28 years old. She underwent a double mastectomy with a sentinel lymph node biopsy on October 31st. Unfortunately, this biopsy revealed that the cancer had metastasized to Emily's lymph nodes. This added both chemotherapy and radiation to Emily's treatment plan. Emily is currently undergoing 6 rounds of chemotherapy.

Emily's health insurance is refusing to reimburse her surgery and treatment bills from 2022 and the medical bills are piling up. Since Emily had just moved from California to North Carolina, her care was considered out-of-network. The insurance company does not deem cancer treatment "urgent" enough to provide adequate coverage.

Emily switched to a different insurance plan for 2023, but insurance still doesn't cover everything. Emily has been maintaining her full-time employment against the advice of medical professionals in order to keep her insurance and pay for other treatment-related expenses. As her friends and family, we want nothing more than to support Emily during this difficult time.

Your donations will directly support:

Past-due medical expenses - currently totaling over $20,000
Future medical expenses (Emily will be in treatment for 5+ years)
Acupuncture treatment to help manage side effects
Wigs and cold-capping expenses (Emily's cold-capping is discounted due to a grant, but it is still expensive)
Meals
Help keeping Emily and Zach's home clean during her treatments so they are both able to focus on her care and recovery

This fundraiser will help ensure that Emily can focus on her recovery without the added stress of financial worries. It will also help her access the care she needs to fight this disease and emerge stronger on the other side.

We are so grateful for your support during this difficult time. Your generosity means the world to us and we know that Emily will be deeply touched by your kindness.

Thank you for your consideration and for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.

With love and gratitude,

Colleen and Michael (Emily's parents)