Update as of 11/15/2024
Friends and Family,
I am home and doing well. I was able to go to Hope4Cancer in Mexico from October 15th-November 7th, 2024. I received 3 weeks of extensive treatments (Monday-Saturday). It was far from easy, to say the least, but I made it through. In three weeks, my labs did not change much at all, however three weeks is simply not enough time. I have three months worth of treatments I will be doing here at home, and will continue to follow up with my oncologist and complete lab work to monitor my levels. I am feeling good so far, and have more energy. That is the biggest accomplishment.
I have been busy since being home with trying to find a routine best for my body and treatments. I have also fully graduated with my Masters in Social Work, have applied for my limited licensure in Social Work, and to many job openings. I have had several interviews/opportunities placed in front of me. I will continue to focus on this and get better everyday. I am still trying to cover the cost of treatment, as I am not working yet. I know this will take time. To everyone who has kept up with my journey, prayed, and donated it is greatly appreciated. None of this would have been possible to get started without God, all the support, donations, and prayers. If you cannot donate please continue to pray and share my story.
Love, Peace, and Blessings,
Hannah
My name is Hannah Halsey. I am 31 years old. I know that I am not any more important than anyone else in this world, but what I do know is that I am here for a reason. My hope is to make a difference in this world and touch the lives of others. I have always given to others and have had a passion when it comes to helping others. I was born a helper. With that being said, I am a few weeks away from completing a Master’s program for Social Work. This journey has been far from easy, but I haven’t given up, as I am no quitter. Despite challenges and setbacks during this journey, I have managed to maintain part time employment, complete an internship, and earn good grades (of course with a tremendous support system). I believe it is my calling to help others and be the kindness to others in a world where we need more kindness. God certainly has been with me every step of this journey, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
Back in February of 2024, I encountered a terrible night at work that no one would ever think or dream of. I was physically assaulted by a client and ended up in the hospital with a serious concussion/or what was deemed a traumatic brain injury. This became a workman’s comp case, and was far from easy as there are so many loopholes when dealing with workman’s comp. Workman’s comp only deals with the work side of things. My school required me to have approval to return (in order to ensure my overall well-being). I was then faced with the task of finding a primary care physician, which was difficult enough. A few weeks prior to this I was looking to establish a new primary care physician as my health insurance plan had changed. During the time of my brain injury, I dealt with many doctors appointments, seeing specialists; lost time away from school/my internship, employment, driving, and attended countless sessions of physical therapy. This was a setback. My routine was drastically changed from February 2024 until May 2024, when I was able to return to my internship, with the approval of my primary care physician. I was happy to be back on the mend, and back to the routine of a “normal life.” Little did I know things would change for me yet again in such a short amount of time.
Fast forward to what I am facing now: As mentioned before, in March 2024 I established care with a new primary care physician, and some routine blood work was run. I was told my iron was low and that I had microcytic anemia. I was given iron supplements. The doctor also informed me that there were also some abnormal labs. Based on the results my primary care physician referred me on to hematology/oncology and told me not to worry. In May of 2024 I had a visit with hematology/oncology, where the doctor ordered more blood work. In weeks to follow I received a devastating phone call that I never expected while working at my internship. It was the doctor from hematology/oncology on the other line stating that based on my blood work, I have been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.There wasn’t much of an explanation other than treatment wasn’t necessary that day; however, I would likely need to be on chemo treatment for three to five years. The doctor stated the next step would be scheduling a bone marrow biopsy, and based on the results more information regarding treatment would be discussed.
A further confirmation of the diagnosis was given to me after completing a bone marrow biopsy in August 2024. I have received two opinions from hematology/oncology and what the best course of action would be moving forward. The only treatment options available to me are Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) here in my home state/country, which devastatingly are over $100,000/year. The doctor told me my diagnosis is something I will have to live with life long, and the medications are to hopefully prolong my life and slow down the cancer. In addition to the medications, I would have to complete frequent labs, and some bone marrow biopsies. There is no cure at this time for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, and they do not have any indication how to stop the mutation of the Philadelphia Chromosome that causes this type of Leukemia nor fixing it. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia is monitored through labs, and the doctor explained that with medication, it is their hope that it will go into remission; however, that is not always the case. With me only being 31 years old and having my whole life ahead of me, I don’t think that the treatment offered me is the best option, as there are a lot of harsh side effects and with these comes life long changes.
I never thought I would see myself in these shoes. It has been extremely difficult accepting the news. The doctors told me that they don’t see many people my age with this diagnosis, and that people typically in their 60’s are diagnosed with this type of cancer. I haven’t made my decision of treatment lightly, as something like this takes prayer and guidance from God to ensure the right decision is made. With that being said, I believe strongly that this is a diagnosis, not a life sentence.
The best course of action for quality of life is going to a treatment center in Mexico, called Hope4Cancer. There are far more treatment options available to me with less side effects and that will ensure I have quality of life. The cost of treatment is $50,000 and lasts for three weeks. This cost covers my treatment at the facility for three weeks, coming home with supplies for treatment, my room and board while there, and three month/six month follow up appointments. My travel there and back is not covered, so will be an additional out of pocket expense. My follow up appointments are covered in the cost of treatment as well; however, I am responsible for travel expenses and room and board for those follow ups. As I mentioned, I have a few weeks left in my Master’s program, been working part time, and just finished up my internship. Thinking about how I will pay for treatment has been weighing on me heavily. This was so unexpected, and the last thing I thought I would have to worry about after such a major accomplishment and milestone in my life. The only option for me to have quality of life is treatment. I will need to leave my part time job and will have no income during the duration of treatment. Unfortunately, none of this treatment is covered by insurance so I am reaching out for help. Even if you can’t donate, passing my story along, sharing encouragement, or offering a prayer is appreciated. Thank you for taking time to view my campaign, and God bless.