Support Kathryn's Battle Against Thyroid and Colon Cancer

Hello, My name is Kathryn Heinz. I am 44 and I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and Colon Cancer within months of each other. I have had surgery for my thyroid cancer May 3rd, so far (that's the image from the hospital), and still need RAI (Radioactive Iodine Treatment). My Thyroid cancer is stage 1a and 1b, classic papillary thyroid carcinoma. It was in 8 lymph nodes and 1 thyroid nodule. I had my thyroid and most of my lymph nodes in my neck removed.

I was just diagnosed June 3rd with Moderately Differentiated Adenocarcinoma in my cecum. I will need surgery and chemotherapy. I don't know what stage as of yet, but am speaking with oncology starting Monday to get scans set up and get things rolling. For the last 3 months I had pain in my stomach, which turned out to be IBS/Chronic Gastritis and had nothing to do with the cancer. The only red flags were Severe Chronic Anemia that I have had to have infusions for a couple times now, and then bleeding that started 3 months ago. The bleeding started after news of the thyroid cancer. I was extremely stressed. I am seeing a psychologist and now on antidepressants to help me with my severe anxiety. We thought at first it was some sort of Colitis, but it was the hard to detect cecum cancer. I feel thankful for my care team who got on it quickly and got me diagnosed.

I know this is going to be quite the battle, but I'm determined to win. Having to figure out when to do my RAI along with needing Chemo is going to be the biggest challenge.

I am asking for help with my mounting medical bills, also for gas to get back and forth to appointments. Thankfully all my treatment can be done here, but some facilities can take a half hour or so to get to. Which also puts my husband out of work for some time. He is able to get FMLA to help me with these things, but that only goes so far for time paid off. I have insurance, but copays and out of pocket expenses are adding up. We're also a single income family. I was doing vending events as a full time artist but am unable to do any in person events due to my health. Any help getting us through this difficult time is great appreciated.

Much love,

Kathryn & Justin Heinz

If anyone wants to donate another way, msg me or Justin on FB. Thank you!