Cancer sucks

Right now, that is all I can say! Cancer just sucks. I have been dealing with cancer in my family since my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer 17 years ago. It has been a terrible thing that I have unfortunately had to deal with more and more as I have grown up. My family members, family friends, friend's parents, and colleagues have dealt with this disease, fought it, and won or lost their fight. Everyone has a connection to cancer and knows someone that has dealt with it. I hate to have a negative attitude, but I feel like this is a realistic comment...I feel like almost everyone will fight some type of cancer some time in our lives. Hopefully, cures will be found and treatment will become easier and more accessible.

Right now, I am dealing with close members of my life that are within their own fight. My great aunt was just diagnosed with breast cancer. One of my best friend's mom is fighting leukemia. I just hate this! Also, through blogging, I learned of a young woman, Keri. She is a best friend and was a bridesmaid of my "internet friend," Julia. Here is what Julia posted on her blog:

Keri's story:

Sometimes life is so unfair. Keri is one of those people everyone loves to be around. Her charisma is undeniable and her positive attitude is contagious. Keri has always been a fighter, a leader, and a pillar of strength for those in her life.

She is a down-to-earth, true Mid-western girl who has called Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana home. As a Physical Therapist, she makes her living by caring for others, and now is the time for us to return the favor.

On March 14, 2008 Keri’s life changed forever. At the age of 26 she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. On April 2, 2008 she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and began her fight with a disease that knows no limits.

Her bright future is clouded with the cold hard facts: 8 rounds of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of daily radiation, multiple reconstructive surgeries, hormonal replacement therapy, and infertility treatments. When you attack cancer with chemotherapy and other estrogen suppressing drugs before you’ve had children, your dream of becoming a mother is jeopardized. Keri’s doctors have said her treatments will most definitely stop ovulation for the rest of her life, throwing her young body into menopause. So Keri will freeze her eggs to give her hope of having a baby—a procedure that comes with a $10,000 price tag but not covered by insurance.

Helen Keller once said, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.” If everyone who reads Keri’s story contributes to her fund the financial burden of cancer could be lifted from her shoulders. Any amount would be greatly appreciated and every dollar counts. Why not make a difference in someone’s life? And what better time than right now?

Please make your tax-deductible donation check to:

Keri Wilkie Breast Cancer Medical Fund
P.O. Box 833
Emporia, KS 66801

If you’d like to follow Keri’s online journal please go to:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/keri