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Dear Friends,
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Marianne has run her own company and is doing what she can to try and stay afloat. Two years ago, when she was first diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer, Marianne went chemotherapy, and some alternative treatments. Miraculously, the cancer disappeared; and so did her life savings, her health insurance, and her own home, which is one of the biggest consequences for cancer survivors.
This past December, she was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where they found at least two brain tumors on her frontal lobe, one of which was between a golf ball and lemon in size. They did not expect her to live. Her close friends and family were notified and a DNR order was put into place. But, somehow, Marianne fought back. And she is still fighting. She has no insurance, no money, and no home. Thanks to the hospital, she has been able to reside for the past month in a “board and care” home with patients who are much older and suffering from other types of ailments. She is able to drive herself to her radiation treatments, pick up her own groceries, and meet with friends when she is not overly exhausted by this all. She is even working with her clients when she can.
In the middle of the week, Marianne’s housing is gone. She still needs treatment. She still has hope of beating this demon; but hope does not pay for a place to live or necessary medical expenses. Marianne needs us. She needs us now. If she had AIDS/HIV, there would be ample resources for her. Unfortunately, for women with this kind of diagnosis, the resources available appear to be informational and not financial.
Ironically, Marianne has been the person her friends and family have turned to for support, both emotionally and financially. She has given so much to her community and intends to keep on doing the same once she heals. I spent some time with Marianne tonight. She looks great, her spirits are high, and she is still the same woman I have known her to be. Marianne wants you to know this help is for her to live, not to die.
With your help, we will raise $25,000 as a start to assist Marianne with a place to live, treatments, alternative therapies, and living expenses. We will keep you posted about Marianne’s condition and show you our fundraising progress on the meter you see on this page. Any amount you can contribute will go directly toward Marianne’s living and medical expenses. POWER UP is not charging any kind of administration fee to help with this fundraising effort.
Thank you so much. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, Deidre Strohm at 323-821-3558 or the POWER UP office.
And please, pass this along to everyone you know.
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