Support Yvonne Santistevan-Manno's Cancer Battle

As many of you know my sister, Yvonne Santistevan-Manno was diagnosed with a rare type of sarcoma in 1995. After intense chemotherapy and radiation, she underwent surgery to have a tumor removed. Once the surgeon opened her up, he realized the cancer was so intwined in her nerves and muscles, he had no other option but to amputate her right arm to include her shoulder. Without hesitation, Yvonne advised her Dr. to proceed with the amputation and do whatever was necessary in order for her to fully recover so she could spend quality time with her husband Mark, now a retired Rio Rancho Police Officer and take care of her family.

She had been in and out of remission from 1995-2015 with numerous trips to the hospital, the cancer center and has had numerous surgeries. Unfortunately, in August of 2015 she was once again diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer which spread to her bones. Yvonne was told the cancer mutated from HER2- to HER2+. The warrior that she is completed intense chemotherapy, monthly immunotherapy injections and a chemo drip every 3 weeks.

In August of 2022 Yvonne’s health took a turn for the worse when she had an episode that rushed her to the ER only to find out the cancer spread to her brain. The fighter that she is would not give up and left the cure in her Doctor’s hands for God to guide. The next step would be a total of 15 full brain radiation sessions. The radiation was so intense it would leave Yvonne stumbling and unable to maintain her balance. Once radiation was complete a gamma knife laser surgery was performed. To make matters worse since the laser surgery is rare and not too common the insurance company denied the claim and she is now forced to pay an out of network fee and is responsible for the entire bill.

For the past 29 years my sister has had to not only fight this ugly disease, but she’s had to fight with the insurance companies along with her pocket book.

Because of her chemo drips every 3 weeks, daily chemo pills (9 to be exact), scans, co-pays, ultrasounds, MRIs and doctor visits she has come to a point that she is now needing financial assistance. Every visit, Yvonne is responsible for a co-pay whether it’s $40.00 or $700.00. You may ask does she have insurance? Is Mark still working? Yes, they have insurance and of course Mark has to continue to work in order to pay the fees the insurance does not cover.

With Yvonne’s strong faith and belief in God she continues to fight with a smile on her face. Yvonne walks into the cancer center greeting and hugging everyone to include volunteers, security guards, janitors, administrators, technicians, nurses, doctors and other patients. Yvonne is fighting an uphill battle and should not have to worry about the bills she has incurred and will continue to incur. We are asking folks to join the financial battle and make a donation, but would be equally appreciative for a prayer. As Yvonne says “being sick is not cheap”. She’s been in the long fight, and continues to stay in the fight all the while inspired and motivated by faith, family, courage and by our dads saying of “Lace em up Bebe…lace em up”.

We greatly appreciate every donation big or small, prayers and simply sharing the gofundme. She is a woman with great strength and durable faith who alone has battled this terrible disease, our hope is to help her fight and continue winning.