Support Mary’s Cancer Journey

Our friend Mary is a fighter to say the least. As most of you know, this past fall, Mary was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (the second time).

Before I detail her condition and needs, I must first talk about the type of person she is. I say this because she is so much more than this diagnosis. She’s a loving, selfless and positive woman who has always been an inspiration to others. She has the biggest heart, often putting other people’s needs before her own. Her family is extremely proud of her and the life she has made for herself and her family.

After her breast cancer diagnosis, she had to undergo a mastectomy which was followed up with multiple rounds of chemotherapy. After completing the chemotherapy process, she was determined to be cancer free. However, we were to soon discover that she had complications due to the chemotherapy. She developed a diagnosis of (CIPN) Chemo Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

With this diagnosis, she has lost almost all function of her hands and her feet. She has progressed to the point where she can not really use her hands. She often needs help with eating and anything else that requires her to use her hands to include lifting herself up to support herself, moving a wheelchair on her own, etc. She has also lost almost all function in her legs and can not stand on her own or even walk. Mary even needs assistance to transfer from the bed to a wheelchair.

She has been working very hard in physical therapy but her progression has been very slow and frustrating. Somehow, she always manages to remain positive and never gives up, ever.

Since early April, Mary has been bouncing between the nursing home rehab facility and the hospital for various medical issues relating to the after effects of the chemotherapy. Her insurance coverage for her to remain at the nursing home rehab is now running out.

So…it is our goal to get Mary set up so she can be as comfortable as possible when she gets home. Some of the many items she will need to accomplish this, are not covered by insurance and are extremely expensive. Money is trying to be raised for a stair chair to be installed in her home as well as several other handicap features including safety bars, a temporary wheelchair ramp, and other necessary adaptive changes needed for the home to try to make her transition as easy as possible.

Mary and her husband, John, are the sole beneficiaries of all money raised and everything will go toward her supportive care.

Please consider donating what you can and please share this page. We know that times are difficult for everyone. We are incredibly grateful for your support. If you’re not in a position to donate, we kindly ask that you share this page.