#AbiahBrave

In early July, Abiah had been experiencing loss of sleep and what felt like a disturbance in the left area of her neck and shoulders. Without having much thought, she continued with day-to-day life and working as a waitress and a wedding planner. Fast forward to early August, Abiah woke up with a swollen neck which gave her and Gil (partner) some concern. Having a wedding rehearsal to coordinate that day, Abiah waited until later evening on August 2nd to go to Rapid Urgent Care, where it was looked over and advised to head to Deadwood Emergency Care. Abiah and Gil later that night went to Deadwood ER where blood work and scans were conducted. Blood work came back well, but scans were of concern. With little information given, and leaving with fear, Abiah was sent home. The next day, a doctor's appointment was held at Deadwood Clinic, where a biopsy was scheduled for two days later at Spearfish Monument Hospital. After being poked and prodded, the biopsy results came back on August 9th where it was confirmed that the lump in her neck is, in fact, Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer. Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. After further testing, the cancer has spread to her shoulders and chest but is not located in her heart or lungs, and is currently in Stage II.

Abiah will receive her first round of chemo on September 16th at Rapid City Monument. As of now, Abiah’s chemo plan is to receive 4-hour rounds of chemo every other Thursday for 6 months.

This will be a very long road for Abiah but with her positive attitude and her optimistic outlook and September being Hodgkins Lymphoma Awareness month, we know she is going to kick this cancer’s ass. The support for Abiah and Gil continues to grow and they are so thankful for the kindness and generosity of all their family and friends that surrounds them.