Shari Mindlen Smiles Through Myeloma

Help Shari Mindlen Smile Through Myeloma! “It’s funny how complete strangers can have familiar souls.” - J Iron Word Hello Everyone, my name is Leela and on behalf of our Instagram family #weareigfamily we are hoping you will support our fundraiser. We are raising funds for our dear friend, Shari Mindlen, and bringing awareness to Multiple Myeloma and BOOP (See links below). If you are unfamiliar with Shari and all she’s been through over the past 18 months, please allow me to briefly share her story with you. Shari’s Journey Shari is a Realtor in Arizona and also runs her own dog robe business @drippingdogig selling (made in the USA) dog robes https://www.drippingdog.com . She rescued her own Furbaby, Ollie, in 2010 from a Kill Shelter and, naturally, Ollie is the Top Model and CFO – Chief Fit Officer for her business. Shari donates 20% of the proceeds to her local dog rescue which is her passion and driving force. In July, 2018, Shari got the devastating diagnosis of MM and began chemotherapy in August. In January 2019, she went to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and in February had a successful stem cell transplant.  She flew home in March and celebrated being “Cancer Free.”  On April 16th, Shari traveled back to Houston for a check-up  when doctors discovered an issue with her lung. During a biopsy, her lung collapsed causing extreme pain. She was diagnosed with BOOP and remained in the hospital until April 26th. Now back home, her team of doctors have given her strict home care instructions. Over the next couple of months she can’t go out in public and she must wear a mask and gloves when anyone goes to her home to help her with Ollie and her everyday needs and care. She has been unable to return to work and her dog robe business has come to a halt, causing her great financial hardship. These Funds Will Be Used For: Past and near-future medical expenses (Even with insurance, Shari and a family member have carried a tremendous financial burden alone.); Airfare from Phoenix to Houston & Return Flights  (She’s been back and forth to MD Anderson Cancer Center five times, so far, and must return to MD Anderson frequently; going back in 3 weeks and then again 1 month after that visit.); Lodging expenses, (Before and after Shari’s stem cell transplant, she had to stay in a hotel near the hospital for two months.); Pet Care for her sweet Ollie when she is staying at MD Anderson.  Shari puts on her warrior armor every day. The Instagram Community’s outpouring of love, prayers, and support for Shari during her journey, and undoubtedly in the months to come, have been incredibly inspiring! During her darkest months, she has been given so much hope and light. She has been lifted up, encouraged, and found strength in the support she’s received from others; from friends and strangers alike. Throughout her presence on Instagram, Shari has been *THAT* person; the one who extends her generosity and kindness by donating to causes, has sent up prayers for friends who are battling illnesses, has lended a helping hand to friends in need, and offered compassion to friends with sick or hurting animals. But now she needs OUR help!  “Together we can do great things.” - Mother Teresa Every Contribution Matters - Your donation helps!! Even contributing as little as $5 or $10 will make a BIG impact in reaching our goal and is greatly appreciated. Want to Help but are Unable to Donate At This Time? If you are unable to donate funds at this time, please let us know if you are able to help Shari in other ways and we will help make that happen!! Sending cards, direct messages, text messages, phone calls, & Instagram posts using the Hashtag #smilesforshari are welcomed, as is providing transportation or a visit to the hospital as it can be extremely lonely. Your support, in its many forms, means the world to Shari! Please Share On Social Media  It would be extremely helpful if you would help get the word out by sharing this link on your IG profile, gallery, or story, or Tweet the link on Twitter, or post the link on your FB Timeline, or all of the above. The more exposure we get, the faster we will reach our goal. Thank you in advance for your consideration, compassion, generosity, and prayers for Shari! For Information about MM & BOOP click on links below: MM (Multiple Myeloma) - https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma.html  BOOP (Bronchiolitis Obliterans with Organizing Pneumonia) - https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/boop/  Whether you are a personal friend of Shari’s or a stranger with a familiar soul, thank you for caring!! Sincerest Thanks, Leela FitzGerald @leelafitz - on behalf of our Instagram Family - #WAIGF #smilesforshari #sharismilesthroughmyeloma