Cancer: Sharing Sherri's Burden

In August of 2011, Sherri Urcavich was diagnosed with a Neuro-Endocrine Tumor on the tail of her pancreas which had metastasized to her liver and one lymph node. Sherri, 64, has been married 40 years with two daughters and seven grandchildren. She has been a dedicated math teacher for 42 years at schools including UWGB, ITT Tech, and NWTC. Sherri has also been an active member and volunteer at her church. Sherri partially retired in 2014, but continued working until May 2015, when she had to fully retire.

Since Sherri was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, she has been put on several different treatments. When surgeons attempted to remove the tumor in her pancreas in March of 2015 they were unable to do so and found metastatic lesions on her liver, intestines and stomach. Sherri started back on oral chemotherapy, but by June 2015 it had no effect. Now the cancer has spread to her spine, ribs and pelvis. The tumor in her pancreas is active and producing excessive amounts of insulin. Sherri was hospitalized on July 30, 2015 for 2 weeks after 911 was called and she was found unresponsive in her home with a blood sugar level of 34.

Sherri is currently on a new oral chemo, Sutent, along with 15 other medications, which cost approximately $1,500.00/month in just co-pays/personal payments. She is home bound & requires 24 hour care with home health nurses and physical therapy. On Aug 5, 2015 Sherri was given a prognosis of two months left to live.

Due to her illness, her husband has had to take a lot of time off from work, which has caused a loss of income. Family members have stepped in to help with her home care and financial obligations, but resources are being exhausted. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.