Ever since I was a child, I believed in the power of hard work and perseverance. Growing up in a humble family, my parents instilled in me the importance of education and self-reliance. I’ve spent my entire life striving to reach my goals, but I never imagined that one day, everything would be threatened by a single word: cancer.
The day I received my diagnosis, I felt as if the world was collapsing around me. I was about to turn 38 years old and was at the tail-end of finishing my bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. Despite working full-time and juggling the responsibilities of owning an old home, I was making progress, slowly but surely. I knew I had to continue pursuing my dreams, but colon cancer wasn’t part of the plan.
I have health insurance, but the financial burden of high deductibles and co-pays, along with the never-ending stress of managing prior authorizations for my treatments, has been overwhelming. The cost of medical care in this country is staggering, and it’s difficult to imagine how anyone can navigate it alone.
Throughout this process, the impact on my life has been profound. I find myself constantly fighting against waves of stress and fear, trying to stay afloat in the face of an uncertain future. On top of the emotional weight, I grapple with the physical changes – the scars left by surgery have made it difficult for me to recognize myself in the mirror, causing a sense of body dysmorphia.
Despite these challenges, the unwavering support from my friends and family has kept me going. They have been my rock, helping me navigate doctor’s appointments, medications, and the financial challenges that come with battling this terrible disease. I am eternally grateful for their love and care.
As I continue my fight against colon cancer, I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for financial support. I have done everything in my power to provide for myself and my family, but the financial strain of medical treatments has left me struggling to stay afloat. Your generosity will allow me to continue my battle and focus on healing, rather than drowning in medical bills.
I know there are many causes deserving of your support, but I promise that every dollar you contribute will go directly toward my medical expenses and recovery. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your kindness and compassion. Your support will not only help me in my fight against cancer but will also serve as a reminder of the power of human connection and the goodness in people during the darkest of times.
Thank you for being part of my journey to recovery.
Update
The oral chemo seems to be working well, with mild side effects. So far, all of my lab tests and CT scans seem to indicate that no other tumors are present. This is good news because it indicates that we may have caught it before it had spread to other parts of my body. Treatment and surveillence is still ongoing, but any good news is worth sharing. Thank you all for your continued support as I navigate these uncharted waters.