F#CK CANCER Support Phyllis Gayda
Donation protected
Phyllis Gayda was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She dedicates her time and efforts in helping the community and educating others on the importance of good health. She moved up to the Bay Area for a new opportunity at the VA Hospital and is currently working and dedicating her time to helping ill and dying veterans and their families. Although she is far away from home, she always makes time for family and friends even if it's just for a quick chat or text.
Phyllis was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of November. Hearing this is never something anyone wants to hear; my sisters and I are still in denial. Our family is all too familiar with cancer. It brings back memories of our mother struggling for survival and feeling helpless. Our mother fought strong and is now a 15 year breast cancer survivor. Our parents are just in shock as we all are, but we have faith that we will fight this together.
The most surprising thing is that Phyllis is so young - she is 32 years old. Breast cancer usually occurs in older women and is rare in women younger than 40 (occurs in less than 5% of young women in the U.S.). Phyllis is young and healthy and still has her whole life ahead of her to strive in her career, start a family and have kids. Without a doubt, this is a very tough time for Phyllis and she will need all our help.
Even with the best medical insurance, life insurance, and excellent connections in the medical field, it's not enough. We have exhausted our resources, connections, and are tapped out from our pockets to help our sister get through this tough time of emotion, stress, frustration, denial, and weakness.
Phyllis has already been going through a number of blood tests, MRI/ultrasounds, numerous doctor visits, and genetic testing. She just started her fertility preservation; and surgeries (a double mastectomy and reconstruction), hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments will start within a month.
My family and I have set up a benevolence fund to help offset her mounting medical fees, treatments, expenses, time off from work to make her appointments, treatments, and recover. It breaks our heart to know that she has to endure all this. If you would like to pass on some kind, encouraging or loving words, please email her at [email redacted]. Please know that she may not respond right away due to these emotionally difficult times. She was even hesitant to burden anyone with this, but we as a family knew it was necessary for her.
We hope you can help Phyllis get through this tough time to beat cancer. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the Gayda family, we want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers. The more thoughts and prayers the better!
Phyllis was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of November. Hearing this is never something anyone wants to hear; my sisters and I are still in denial. Our family is all too familiar with cancer. It brings back memories of our mother struggling for survival and feeling helpless. Our mother fought strong and is now a 15 year breast cancer survivor. Our parents are just in shock as we all are, but we have faith that we will fight this together.
The most surprising thing is that Phyllis is so young - she is 32 years old. Breast cancer usually occurs in older women and is rare in women younger than 40 (occurs in less than 5% of young women in the U.S.). Phyllis is young and healthy and still has her whole life ahead of her to strive in her career, start a family and have kids. Without a doubt, this is a very tough time for Phyllis and she will need all our help.
Even with the best medical insurance, life insurance, and excellent connections in the medical field, it's not enough. We have exhausted our resources, connections, and are tapped out from our pockets to help our sister get through this tough time of emotion, stress, frustration, denial, and weakness.
Phyllis has already been going through a number of blood tests, MRI/ultrasounds, numerous doctor visits, and genetic testing. She just started her fertility preservation; and surgeries (a double mastectomy and reconstruction), hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments will start within a month.
My family and I have set up a benevolence fund to help offset her mounting medical fees, treatments, expenses, time off from work to make her appointments, treatments, and recover. It breaks our heart to know that she has to endure all this. If you would like to pass on some kind, encouraging or loving words, please email her at [email redacted]. Please know that she may not respond right away due to these emotionally difficult times. She was even hesitant to burden anyone with this, but we as a family knew it was necessary for her.
We hope you can help Phyllis get through this tough time to beat cancer. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the Gayda family, we want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers. The more thoughts and prayers the better!
Organizer and beneficiary
Holly Poutoa
Organizer
Chula Vista, CA
Phyllis Gayda
Beneficiary