We are reaching out to friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers in the hope that we can come together to support Michele's fight against cancer!
The end of 2024 came with shocking and devastating news as we found out that Michele has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of unknown origin which has now spread due to delay of treatment. Since August 2024 she's been to countless doctors and hospitals, going through extensive tests and procedures to rule out primary cancers. Doctors are unable to find where her cancer originated from so they are currently treating her cancer as a stage 4 ovarian cancer with lung, lymph and bone metastases.
Michele had an ovarian tumor removed back in 2010, in which the tumor was intentionally ruptured and removed leaving her with cells still in her body (this was the decision of the MD at the time saying that she is young and chances of it being cancerous was non-existent). Biopsy results showed malignant cells so she had abdominal scans done every 6 months for the past 14 years but wasn't aware it had the potential to spread to her lungs (very rare for the type of tumor she had). Oncologists have told us that there is nothing they can do because they have never seen a case like this, not knowing how to treat her, but advocated for herself and she has finally found an oncologist that is willing to treat her. But due to the delay in treatment, her cancer has now spread to her lymph nodes and bones and she's unable to go a day without being on strong pain killers.
The next steps for Michele include surgical intervention (done Dec 2024 - with the intention of surgically removing the tumors but when opened, she had countless tumors that didn't show on CT/PET scans so they had to close her up) and aggressive chemotherapy treatments for the next 5 months, all of which will come with mounting medical costs. She is also on a leave of absence from work due to the strain the treatments have on her body which leave her bed ridden for days post chemo.
While we are doing everything we can to stay positive and keep her spirits strong, the financial strain of medical bills, hospital stays, traveling to receive care, putting her job on hold, taking care of our two toddler boys and the need for time away from work to focus on recovery inevitably becomes overwhelming.
Of course, Michele and I never imagined having to be in a position where we would need to ask for help, but we know sometimes it's okay to lean on others when life takes an unexpected turn. Your generous contributions will help cover the direct costs of her treatment. We are hoping to keep Michele focused on healing and staying strong without any worry of how to make ends meet.
Michele is deeply humbled by the support she has already received from friends and family, and it means the world to us to know that so many people are sending their love, prayers, and positive thoughts. If you are able to contribute, whether big or small, it will make a world of difference. If you are unable to donate at this time, simply sharing this page and keeping Michele and our family in your thoughts is appreciated more than words can express.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of this journey. We know that Michele can face this challenge head-on, and together, we will get her through this!
We will continue to update this page with any new updates.
