My name is Malissa. I was diagnosed with stage 4 Breast Cancer with metastasis to the brain and lungs in July of 2022. This diagnosis completely swept me off my feet as I never expected I would be one of the 1 in 3 women diagnosed with metastatic breast Cancer. This diagnosis came after successfully beating Cancer 3 years earlier, only to suffer other major health issues: a perforated esophagus and cataracts due to the chemotherapy. During my earlier stage Cancer, my life partner of 7 years left the relationship and I stopped working due to the grueling initial treatment. This forced me to exhaust my savings. A mere three years later I am back at square one with a palliative diagnosis and no savings. I am the mother of two adult children, one daughter 23 and a son 27. Neither of them is in any state to help support their mother. I am 51 years old and was able bodied and active so the dependence on my senior mother to provide care for me as I undergo chemo is hard I find myself with no financial reserves to help with treatment and related transportation costs. I am seeking assistance with rent and a way to alleviate the stress of a critical diagnosis and the financial burdens that come with it. I cannot believe I am in this position after having worked hard most of my life. I do not have a spouse. I appreciate any financial assistance to help us stay afloat. I was active in supporting breast cancer survivors and volunteered to help others going through this same diagnosis. I am still confused and overwhelmed figuring out this diagnosis and navigating my care. I would love to gain the strength to advocate for others as I navigate this new terrain, hopefully I can share with them my experiences on growing stronger through Christ and the beauty of asking for help. I am also ultimately seeking remission of this disease. Any additional funds would help me maintain better health my eliminating the mental stress of paying for this deadly disease. Thank you,
