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Seeking Light-Cathy Witt Breast Cancer Fundraiser

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Seeking Light - Cathy Witt Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Some of you may be aware that Cathy Witt’s life took a very serious turn April of this year, and that she is battling a form of Breast Cancer termed “Extra Nodal, Locally Advanced Breast Cancer”.  As one of her friends of over 45 years, I am reaching out on her behalf asking for financial support as she navigates through 5 months of treatment. Yes you heard that right, treatment will go from April – September, a good portion of which is “extremely aggressive” because this little gem of a devil has a 50% chance of recurrence. And friends...this is happening in the middle of a very isolating Pandemic when closeness, love and support are so desperately needed, but restricted because the fear of infection is very real.

Unable To Work
Cathy cannot work because of the intensity and length of the treatments; it's almost impossible to function so beating this cancer raises the additional concern of surviving FINANCIALLY in addition to physically.

The Treatment:
Double Mastectomy: like many women who face breast cancer, this is a very personal choice and Cathy made the decision to remove both, rather than only one breast, for reasons that are very personal. Ultimately, she is at peace with this decision. Healing was good, but there is no describing the how life altering this event is and it’s just the beginning.
   
JUST COMPLETED:
Once every 2 weeks, for 8 weeks;  4 rounds of Dense Dose AC treatments, including something called the "Red Devil". This first round treatment is one of the most toxic forms of breast cancer treatments you can receive, and it took an incredible toll on her body.

HAPPENING NOW:(the cover photo is Cathy with Frozen Gloves)
Once a week for 12 Weeks - PAC treatment with Taxol and this sucker is MEAN, causing continued fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety and depression, so much so, Cathy made the decision to skip a dose to get the other systems, somewhat, under control. The cover photo shows Cathy with her frozen gloves and socks for 90 minutes during Taxol chemotherapy, this is to help control neuropathy symptoms in those extremities that can occur during this 12 week treatment

LAST TREATMENT
in August/September:
Radiation 5 times a week for total of 6 weeks - that's 30 doses(take a moment to consider this…30 DOSES OF RADIATION. ………FIVE TIMES A WEEK….).

HOW IS CATHY DOING TODAY?
She finished the 8 weeks of Dense Dose AC treatments and had a 2 week break before the PAC Treatment started. However, the cumulative onslaught of all that toxicity, caused the bottom to drop out after her first PAC’s treatment. Simply put, the physical toll was extraordinary; hair loss, throat and mouth soreness, stomach issues, skin discoloration, thyroid malfunctioning, in addition to a fatigue so intense, the most basic daily life activities, like getting up and staying up, most days, is nearly impossible. On top of the physical toll, there is simply no way to prepare for intense bouts of severe anxiety and deep depression that is all but incapacitating and the effort to get the emotional roller coaster under control turned her daily life and body into what felt like a 7th grade chem lab experiment.

Your Giving Will Help SO MUCH! No amount is too small! WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO MAKE A DONATION?

Don’t worry if your giving is large or small, the intention of a donation means more than the amount and WE LOVE YOU FOR IT!! Spiritually, please send your prayers and uplifting messages to Cathy, she accepts them ALL.

 Your donations will provide so MUCH NEEDED SUPPORT:


·         Mounting and unexpected Medical Bills(these started the 1st week of treatment)

·         No income and may not be able to work for over a year - living off savings that will definitely run out.

·         Prescriptions, this is a daily and weekly need that is growing and currently, what she is taking is covered. However, I know from another family members breast cancer fight, that if even one prescription changes, there is the possibility that the insurance company will not pay for it, so we need to be prepared.

·         Daily care, support services such as dog sitter, grocery runs, gas for the people driving to and from treatment, help with errands and therapy.

·         Bills, bills, bills, everything from utilities payments to RV Park Rent where her Tiny Home lives.


 
THE PANDEMIC - Treatment - Support: Cathy knows the world is difficult for everyone right now:

Most of you know Cathy is a generous spirit and a fighter and she is so grateful for her warriors of love and hope who are fighting right alongside her, but this battle is still in the early stages with many more uphill struggles ahead.

Cathy is very aware of what everyone is dealing with right now, job loss, fear of getting sick, possibly even the loss of a loved one, and to anyone who has faced their own isolation, sickness or loss, Cathy sends many, many prayers for any loss you are dealing with and the safekeeping of your family and friends. In fact, Cathy asked not to send a request for any kind of help, because she was worried about what everyone else was dealing with, but friends, we truly need your help, whatever you can give, or please just share a link to your Facebook/Instagram/Twitter or email. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

With prayers for Cathy and peace for the world, Michele Pellegrino

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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $1,015
    • 4 yrs
  • Ellen Jablow
    • $25
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Jablow E
    • $25
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Michele Pellegrino
Organizer
Anacortes, WA
Cathy Witt
Beneficiary

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