Supporting Carissa and Cole Through Cancer

Carissa and Cole have been faced with the most horrific news. Cancer. 

Their journey to this diagnosis has been long, as Carissa and Cole have been trying to get to the bottom of their fertility issues. More than three years of countless doctor visits, testing, lab work, and three surgeries later, Carissa has been diagnosed with a Stage IIB Malignant Granulosa Cell Tumor, a very rare ovarian cancer. Not only are they facing a very intense and rigorous chemo treatment, she is having her fourth surgery for a complete hysterectomy at only 28 years old. Carissa’s first surgery was to remove some excess tissue found in her uterus, thought to be causing the fertility issues. Her second surgery was to remove a mass found in her left ovary. This tumor was thought to be a benign fibroma. Shortly after the removal, the results came back that it was indeed a malignant Granulosa Cell Tumor, and she was immediately sent to the oncology department. Four weeks later she found herself back in the hospital for surgery number three to remove the left ovary and fallopian tube along with several biopsies of the surrounding areas. A week following surgery, she got a call that the cancer has spread to her uterus and bladder. Ultimately, the doctors, Cole, and Carissa decided that the best course of action to reduce the chance of recurrence is to have a complete hysterectomy and remove the right ovary and fallopian tube.

As you can imagine the shock and unimaginable pain they are both feeling, make no mistake that they are strong. Carissa is strong. She is facing this head on with a great attitude, her head held high, and determination. Cole is right by her side offering her the best support each step of the way.

To give you a little bit of a backstory, Carissa and Cole are high school sweethearts that have been together since their sophomore year and married in 2019. They recently bought their first home and live with their 2 dogs, Miya and Moose! They love the life they have built together, surrounded by their community of friends and family in Canby, OR. They never imagined facing cancer (especially this young), but now Carissa is being forced to give up her ability to carry a baby.

The doctors have given Carissa and Cole the option of doing one round of egg retrieval before the hysterectomy to give them the chance to utilize a surrogate. Finally, something good! However, the cost for all her labs, surgeries, and chemo are extremely expensive. Egg retrieval and surrogacy are not things that are covered by either party’s insurance. Not to mention all the time off work Carissa and Cole will be facing for her next surgery and three months of chemo. This is a steep hill financially and absolutely not something anyone should be faced with. We are asking for help. Please consider donating. Let’s release the burden that we can control in this situation and help them through financially so they can ultimately focus on each other’s health, mental well-being and give them the opportunity of a lifetime that they so desperately deserve.