Support Michaela's Fight Against Cancer

Hey friends and family

I wanted to create a central location where everyone can stay informed on Michaela's medical journey. As you may already know, Michaela was diagnosed with cancer last Wednesday August 7th. If this is news to you, then I've provided some information below on the history of how she got here. If it's not news to you, I encourage you to read through the below to see how she got here.

Michaela started experiencing GI issues over a year ago. She had internal bleeding, stomach ulcers, and lots of pain and discomfort in her abdominal region. The last twelve months were spent time in and out hospitals and doctors' offices to find out what's going on. When the pain became too unbearable to manage, she ended up back in the ER for answers. This was a vicious cycle for the last 12+ months.

Michaela endured a number of tests to diagnose the problems she was having. Eventually, she tested positive for Helicobacter Pylori, also referred to as H. Pylori. Check out the information here to learn more about it. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic. I do not have any medical background, so I want to be careful with my words.

Unfortunately, the doctors should have been tested for this long ago when she was experiencing the internal bleeding and stomach ulcers. One of the risks of not treating this infection is that it can increase the risk of getting stomach cancer, but it's kind of rare. Typically, H. Pylori can either heal on its own or can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

Unfortunately, Michaela was misdiagnosed a while back and appropriate tests not completed to find the root cause. She ended up going through 4-5 different rounds of antibiotics both orally and intravenously with no relief in sight. She became very weak over time, she could barely eat and keep food down, and she have fevers on and off for over a month. A coworker of Michaela's recommended that she go to a new hospital for treatment.

Michaela went to this new hospital where they have gone above and beyond to get her answers. She's had amazing nurses who have provided her with the support that she needed from the start of this process. They didn't ignore her concerns and gave her the tests needed to finally figure this out.

Michaela complained many times of feeling bloated and her complaints got ignored by other doctors. They chalked it up to the infection even though the antibiotics made zero improvement. At the current hospital, they ended up draining almost 2 liters of fluid drained from her abdomen which gave her quite a bit of relief. They also found fluid in her lungs. Michaela is still weak, struggles to breathe normally, and is in constant pain.

Michaela had CT scans, Pet Scans, a biopsy, and DNA testing which resulted the scary cancer diagnosis last Wednesday. As you can imagine this was extremely upsetting news for Michaela, Tyler and all their family and friends. This news is something no one ever wants to get. You start thinking of the worst-case scenario. The unknown is really scary and right now, but we are one step closer to a treatment plan.

Michaela plans on getting a second opinion to make sure the diagnosis is the same and can feel confident with her treatment plan.

Several people have reached out to ask how they can help. As you can imagine, this diagnosis in itself has been extremely overwhelming. Michaela hasn't been able to work her fulltime job in almost 2 months. Tyler has burned through all of his PTO and as of the diagnosis has taken a leave of absence. Funds are scarce and will continue to be as they focus all of their energy on getting Michaela well again.

If you would like to assist them, please consider donating so that they can focus on her health and not all the other noise that comes with adulting. Every little bit helps as they try and navigate through this life changing diagnosis.

It's hard to put a price on cancer so I researched the average cost. According to AARP the average cost of having cancer is $150K. OMG! The goal that I have set for fund raising is $100K, this is a blind shot in the dark. All that I ask is that you consider helping them out if you can financially so that the stress and burden that cancer puts on a family is lessened by your gift.

We also ask that you continue to keep Michaela in your thoughts and prayers. She is surrounded and supported by so many people who just want to see her healthy and vibrant again.

Thank you and God Bless!

Disclaimer, no raffles sweepstakes, giveaways or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to our gofundme.