Team Treena Cancer Fund

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-Hearted Supporters,

We hope this message finds you all well! As many of you reading this probably are not aware… our smiley, funny, sweet sister, Treena Scism has recently been diagnosed with cancer. As a healthy 46 year old, this has come as quite a shock to her and her sweet family. This is a journey we never imagined… a battle against Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Her husband, Ken, tragically lost his mother to this vicious disease as a young child, they know all too well the devastating toll it takes on families.

We are starting this fundraiser to help support her and her family in this fight. Several people have reached out since Treena opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis asking how they can support her and her family during this time. If you know Treena, you know she can be hesitant when it comes to accepting help, always feeling like someone else might need it more. She is the most kind, generous, and caring individual and is always there to help when someone is in need. She has supported us, her family, her friends, her students, her community, and so many people in this world on their own journeys, and it is time for us to rally together and support Treena!

When she was originally diagnosed with breast cancer and learned that she needed to have surgery, she was told it was stage 2a breast cancer, which meant it was early and treatable and the outlook was great! Unfortunately, further diagnostic scans, and information gathering revealed additional tumors, and the tumor locations would mean major surgery on both breasts.

On the day of surgery everything changed, when surgery revealed the cancer had spread to the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Instead of stage 2a, the surgical findings and pathology report showed stage 3c Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

Just getting through diagnosis and beginning to form a treatment plan has used up what paid time off Treena had available. She is now taking unpaid time off work to begin treatments and continue fighting. Her employer does not provide short term disability. We all know, Ken wants to be there to support Treena on every step of this journey, but with his as the only income right now, they cannot afford for him to take unpaid time off too. He is doing all he can to be by her side and provide unwavering support through it all.

Treena is covered by a high deductible health plan, which they covered with a health savings account, and an emergency fund, unfortunately this was wiped out by the cost of diagnosis alone. As they fight this battle, they are faced with a daunting challenge. With her diagnosis coming on the cusp of a new year, Treena and Ken will need to meet two deductibles and two out of pocket maximums in a matter of four months. Cancer not only attacks her body but also is draining their financial resources. It will take all their emotional strength to endure. They are watching the medical bills begin to pile up, completely depleting their savings for out of pocket expenses/bills and the need for life-saving treatments increasing. The medications and treatments necessary for her survival come with an astronomical cost, and they find themselves in a delicate situation.

Treena’s spirits are strong, and she is prepared to courageously face this daunting journey head-on knowing that there is always a way. She has gone into this battle with the grace, strength, and humor we all know and love, as well as the most optimistic attitude. She has so much more life to live and so much more of her wonderful unique approach to life to give! We all know the tenacity she possesses, but this journey will no doubt take its toll on her, both physically and mentally. There is a good chance she can win this fight and is determined to do whatever it takes, but she cannot do it alone. The next year will be a huge financial drain.

As we begin to help her navigate this journey, ask for comfort, peace and clarity for Treena & Ken and the family. We are reminded of the incredible strength that comes from unity, community, and compassion. With your help, we can ease the financial burden and ensure that she has access to the treatments, supplements, nutrition, and peace that offer hope for overcoming this incredible challenge toward a brighter future with her family and friends. We believe that support from her friends, family, and wider community will help her to thrive, heal and move through this journey without causing a huge financial/emotional strain.

Treena has already endured two major procedures with her treatment plan already started with bilateral mastectomy in November, Port Placement in December. Now her treatment now stretches ahead into the whole next year with months of chemotherapy infusions (and total hair loss), moving into weeks of daily radiation, and finishing with drug therapy and hormone blocking therapy. The year also includes echocardiograms, scans, bloodwork and ongoing medications for a variety of side effects. The financial burden of these crucial treatments, coupled with the recent unexpected time off work for diagnosis, testing, surgery and recovery, has created a situation that is both emotionally and financially overwhelming.

There is a long road ahead for Treena & her family, and alleviating stress is vital to Treena’s healing process and making sure bills won’t overwhelm her is a great way to show love and support... even if we can't clean, give rides, or cook meals. :)

While they bravely face this health crisis together, the last thing they should worry about is money. We are hoping to help alleviate some of the financial burdens that cancer brings. Every dollar donated will make a meaningful impact on their lives. Your support will not only help access the care and treatments she needs but also enable this loving family to focus on what truly matters - their health and their precious time together.

It is vitally important to focus on her health, well-being, and treatment without fear of financial constraint. This is why we are reaching out to our loved ones, acquaintances, and strangers to ask for support while she goes through this unthinkable journey. Let's reciprocate the love, kindness and generosity Treena has shown to everyone in her life throughout the years!!

The funds raised here will be used to help with the uncovered expenses that come with medical treatment, like the portions of medical bills not covered by insurance, costly medications and supplements that aren't covered by insurance, the cost of a wig & prosthesis, transportation to treatment, as well as helping with rent, monthly bills, student loans and feed her family until she can get back to work full time. Additionally, we want to afford her husband, Ken, the flexibility to take time away from work as needed, ensuring that he can be there for Treena during this challenging period. It’s really hard for her to ask for this kind of help but she’s working on it.

We have set an initial fundraising goal of $10,000, which will help them access the critical medications and treatments required to save Treena’s life and, most importantly, be there for her beloved husband Ken, adult children Kenneth and Aiyanah, and her two magical young grandsons, John and Jeremiah for whom she provides daily care.

We are so kindly asking for your support in alleviating the financial burden that the family will feel in the upcoming months/years as they fight this battle. Please join us in showing her the unconditional love and support that she so freely shares with everyone in her life. other.

How You Can Help:

Donate: Please consider making a financial donation to support Treena’s battle. Any amount is helpful and received with the deepest Gratitude. Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a meaningful impact. Every cent brings us closer to assisting during this challenging time.

All contributions will go straight to Treena to support her and her family on this journey. This includes medical expenses, post-treatment care, additional costs after her surgery, as well as during treatment weeks, and other everyday expenses.

If you would like to donate directly to the family you can also send e-transfers directly to Treena via Venmo (@Treena-Scism) or CashApp ($TreenaScism).

Thank you and there's no need to tip Go Fund Me.

Share: Please share this campaign with your friends, family, and across all of your social media and personal networks. Spreading the word will make a huge difference in reaching our fundraising goal. Together, we can reach more people who may be willing to lend a helping hand.

Other Ways to Help:

Please also consider supporting by volunteering to bring the Scism family a meal or donating a gift card via this meal train link for the most difficult days when Treena receives her treatments. They leave her completely depleted and often unable to cook or clean on those days.

Reach Out:

Lastly, if you’d like to receive updates throughout Treena’s journey, please visit the link below.

If you cannot contribute financially, we ask for your thoughts, prayers, and positive healing energy. Reach out on Facebook with uplifting thoughts and let her know she’s still supported throughout this journey.

Please know we are deeply and profoundly grateful for your support. Together, we can provide them with the financial relief they need and show them that they are not alone on this journey. Your kindness and generosity will help this family focus on healing and cherishing the moments that matter most. Thank you, all, for your continued support - for being a part of their story and for helping this family fight and beat breast cancer.

Thank you for joining us in supporting Treena and her wonderful family while she undoubtedly raises some hell in her fight against cancer.