Financial Support for Cancer Treatment
Donation protected
Hi friends, it's Amy French. I'm here to tell you my story and to ask for your help.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year and I underwent a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction in August. I'm currently on my third cycle of chemotherapy, with three more sessions to go. After the chemotherapy is complete, I'll undergo six weeks of radiation.
Cancer wasn't something I ever thought would happen to me. I'm healthy and active and I've never had medical issues. That said, when I felt a lump in my breast, I went to the doctor for an exam. She immediately sent me for a mammogram (my first at age 41) and an ultrasound, which led to a biopsy and ultimately my diagnosis.
Cancer is not an easy thing to deal with, physically, emotionally, or financially. My situation quickly became even more complicated by the Coronavirus pandemic. I can't think of a single person who has not been affected by COVID-19 in some way or another. However, because of my cancer treatment, I suddenly found myself immune-compromised. So I took paid leave from my job as an assistant retail manager at Grand Canyon National Park to allow myself to heal safely and to avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus. I've been at home since August, doing everything I can to stay positive as I work through this experience. But I'm running out of time. My paid leave expires next month, and I'm facing the difficult decision of returning to my retail stores (and the public), or continuing to stay home, but without pay.
My doctors and my family feel that it would be safer for me to stay at home until after my treatment is complete, but this means I will lose my income, and will also be required to pay the monthly premium for my insurance ($450 a month). Even with insurance, cancer treatment is incredibly expensive, and my medical bills continue to grow. At this point, they are simply more than I can afford.
If you know me, you know that I'm not one to reach out and ask for help. I'm a Capricorn after all! I'm used to taking care of things myself, and it's really hard for me to admit that I'm facing a situation I can't deal with alone. Reaching out for help is an exercise in humility for me, but at this point I feel like I have no choice. This is an extremely difficult time for everyone, and it's especially hard to ask for money during a pandemic. I totally understand if you are unable to assist, or don't feel comfortable doing so during this time.
If you can help, donations of any amount would be tremendously beneficial, and I would be forever grateful. If you'd rather donate to an organization that supports breast cancer treatment, research, education, and assistance to those affected, you can visit:
www.breastcancer.org
www.cancer.org
www.cancercare.org
www.pinkdaisyproject.com
www.cancerrecovery.org
www.pinkfund.org
www.jillswish.org
www.komen.org
I love you all. You're my tribe. Thank you so much for your support. It means more than you can ever know. Be well, stay safe, and carry on.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year and I underwent a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction in August. I'm currently on my third cycle of chemotherapy, with three more sessions to go. After the chemotherapy is complete, I'll undergo six weeks of radiation.
Cancer wasn't something I ever thought would happen to me. I'm healthy and active and I've never had medical issues. That said, when I felt a lump in my breast, I went to the doctor for an exam. She immediately sent me for a mammogram (my first at age 41) and an ultrasound, which led to a biopsy and ultimately my diagnosis.
Cancer is not an easy thing to deal with, physically, emotionally, or financially. My situation quickly became even more complicated by the Coronavirus pandemic. I can't think of a single person who has not been affected by COVID-19 in some way or another. However, because of my cancer treatment, I suddenly found myself immune-compromised. So I took paid leave from my job as an assistant retail manager at Grand Canyon National Park to allow myself to heal safely and to avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus. I've been at home since August, doing everything I can to stay positive as I work through this experience. But I'm running out of time. My paid leave expires next month, and I'm facing the difficult decision of returning to my retail stores (and the public), or continuing to stay home, but without pay.
My doctors and my family feel that it would be safer for me to stay at home until after my treatment is complete, but this means I will lose my income, and will also be required to pay the monthly premium for my insurance ($450 a month). Even with insurance, cancer treatment is incredibly expensive, and my medical bills continue to grow. At this point, they are simply more than I can afford.
If you know me, you know that I'm not one to reach out and ask for help. I'm a Capricorn after all! I'm used to taking care of things myself, and it's really hard for me to admit that I'm facing a situation I can't deal with alone. Reaching out for help is an exercise in humility for me, but at this point I feel like I have no choice. This is an extremely difficult time for everyone, and it's especially hard to ask for money during a pandemic. I totally understand if you are unable to assist, or don't feel comfortable doing so during this time.
If you can help, donations of any amount would be tremendously beneficial, and I would be forever grateful. If you'd rather donate to an organization that supports breast cancer treatment, research, education, and assistance to those affected, you can visit:
www.breastcancer.org
www.cancer.org
www.cancercare.org
www.pinkdaisyproject.com
www.cancerrecovery.org
www.pinkfund.org
www.jillswish.org
www.komen.org
I love you all. You're my tribe. Thank you so much for your support. It means more than you can ever know. Be well, stay safe, and carry on.
Organizer
Amy French
Organizer
Grand Canyon, AZ