Wellness for Wendy- in her battle with cancer
Donation protected
Wendy Alden Rogers is my best buddy, a wonderful Mom and Grandma, and a positive role model in the Recovery community for more than 25 years.
On January 5th, 2020 she was given the devastating diagnosis of Stage IV Endometrial Cancer. This past year has been a rollercoaster of illness and treatments, and the battle continues. Although Wendy does have medical coverage, she is experiencing many other financial burdens that she should not have to be worried about right now. I hope that you will be willing to help me to help Wendy, so that she can focus on her health and wellness.
After the diagnosis, Wendy came back to the Boston area to be near family and receive the treatments that she needed. It was decided that Wendy would need chemo treatments before surgery could be performed. In February 2020, Wendy began her chemotherapy and endured 6 rounds, followed by a full hysterectomy in July. Following surgery there were two more rounds of chemo. A follow up appointment in November showed cancer markers down and Wendy was considered ‘Cancer Free”! Although her doctors were cautious to let Wendy know that this type of cancer may return, Wendy felt wonderful and was able to start thinking about getting back to living life!
Just last week, Wendy’s follow up appointment revealed that the cancer was back after just a few months, and now invading her lungs, liver, and other areas of her body. She was told that this cancer is aggressive, and that further chemo is not an option. Wendy's doctors are running some tests to see if she will qualify for a clinical trial. Also, Immunotherapy may be an option. Meanwhile, Wendy is experiencing pain and discomfort daily.
Wendy has lived in 9 different places in the past year while going through her cancer treatments, including Airbnb rentals. Her adult daughters have traveled from their homes in China and the UK to be with her for extended visits when they can. (Remember, COVID-19 safety precautions, quarantines and travel restrictions are also going on through all of this.) Wendy’s son came to stay with her in July, after quarantining in a tent in the backyard for two weeks! He has been her primary caregiver since that time and drives her to all her appointments. They are currently renting a small one-bedroom apartment and barely making the bills each month.
Anyone who knows Wendy is aware that she is a champion in the recovery community and takes her sobriety very seriously. In her 25 years sober, she has reached out to countless women to help them along their path. She is devoted to helping others. Her passion is obvious, and she is finding comfort in her recovery tools and rituals to help her through this battle, as well.
A recent phone conversation revealed that she was struggling between paying the rent or having the car brakes repaired. She is not in a position financially to afford anything more than the absolute necessities. This breaks my heart. This financial stress is not helpful. While there are alternative healing methods that may help relieve Wendy’s discomfort, such as acupuncture and massage, she is not able to pay for these types of treatments.
If you have read all this so far, you can see that there is a need for a little “breathing room” in this situation. Please pitch in if you can. Maybe together we can pay a month’s rent? Or some car repairs? Even just a few acupuncture treatments would be wonderful. Just adding some extra funds to the grocery budget would surely be appreciated.
Wendy has always had a strong fighting spirit and her positive outlook throughout life struggles is truly admirable. However, I think she could use a break right about now. Would you please help me to help her?
On January 5th, 2020 she was given the devastating diagnosis of Stage IV Endometrial Cancer. This past year has been a rollercoaster of illness and treatments, and the battle continues. Although Wendy does have medical coverage, she is experiencing many other financial burdens that she should not have to be worried about right now. I hope that you will be willing to help me to help Wendy, so that she can focus on her health and wellness.
After the diagnosis, Wendy came back to the Boston area to be near family and receive the treatments that she needed. It was decided that Wendy would need chemo treatments before surgery could be performed. In February 2020, Wendy began her chemotherapy and endured 6 rounds, followed by a full hysterectomy in July. Following surgery there were two more rounds of chemo. A follow up appointment in November showed cancer markers down and Wendy was considered ‘Cancer Free”! Although her doctors were cautious to let Wendy know that this type of cancer may return, Wendy felt wonderful and was able to start thinking about getting back to living life!
Just last week, Wendy’s follow up appointment revealed that the cancer was back after just a few months, and now invading her lungs, liver, and other areas of her body. She was told that this cancer is aggressive, and that further chemo is not an option. Wendy's doctors are running some tests to see if she will qualify for a clinical trial. Also, Immunotherapy may be an option. Meanwhile, Wendy is experiencing pain and discomfort daily.
Wendy has lived in 9 different places in the past year while going through her cancer treatments, including Airbnb rentals. Her adult daughters have traveled from their homes in China and the UK to be with her for extended visits when they can. (Remember, COVID-19 safety precautions, quarantines and travel restrictions are also going on through all of this.) Wendy’s son came to stay with her in July, after quarantining in a tent in the backyard for two weeks! He has been her primary caregiver since that time and drives her to all her appointments. They are currently renting a small one-bedroom apartment and barely making the bills each month.
Anyone who knows Wendy is aware that she is a champion in the recovery community and takes her sobriety very seriously. In her 25 years sober, she has reached out to countless women to help them along their path. She is devoted to helping others. Her passion is obvious, and she is finding comfort in her recovery tools and rituals to help her through this battle, as well.
A recent phone conversation revealed that she was struggling between paying the rent or having the car brakes repaired. She is not in a position financially to afford anything more than the absolute necessities. This breaks my heart. This financial stress is not helpful. While there are alternative healing methods that may help relieve Wendy’s discomfort, such as acupuncture and massage, she is not able to pay for these types of treatments.
If you have read all this so far, you can see that there is a need for a little “breathing room” in this situation. Please pitch in if you can. Maybe together we can pay a month’s rent? Or some car repairs? Even just a few acupuncture treatments would be wonderful. Just adding some extra funds to the grocery budget would surely be appreciated.
Wendy has always had a strong fighting spirit and her positive outlook throughout life struggles is truly admirable. However, I think she could use a break right about now. Would you please help me to help her?
Organizer and beneficiary
Colleen O'Neill
Organizer
Bristol, NH
Wendy Alden Rogers
Beneficiary