Marie has a very aggressive form of breast cancer and must have chemotherapy, followed by radiation treatments, in less than 8 weeks.
Marie has always been a very private person, a wonderful confidant, and always there to help anyone at a moment’s notice, but never asks for help in return. This is why I am asking for her. We are currently trying to raise money to help her through this devastating and unforeseen course of treatment.
Marie is single and lives by herself, although she has two dogs she loves and cares for, Lucky and Linus.
Marie has always given back by volunteering at various animal shelters. She has fostered too many dogs to count, providing love, time and support.
Marie has always been there for her family and friends in their time of need.
She is an avid reader of health and nutrition and it has always been a huge interest in her life.
Most everyone has some kind of list; a grocery list, a “to do” list, an iPod play list…imagine having a life list.
· Find a Way Take Time off Work During Treatment
Marie currently works in the medical profession, and unfortunately does not receive medical benefits, sick days or even vacation days. She is fortunate and grateful to be employed in this economy, but like most, she is living paycheck to paycheck from paying off past debt. And although she not in danger of losing her job from taking sick days off work due to her treatment, she will not get paid…which means she must decide where to cut…rent?...heat?...dog food?...there are no extras.
· Find a Way to Get to And From Work And Treatment
Shortly before being diagnosed, Marie’s car engine blew up beyond repair.
· Find a Wig
Try and find a wig suitable for a young woman that is not too matronly, since she will definitely lose her hair due to the type of cancer.
· Find Someone to Help me Care for my Dogs in Case I am Too Sick During Treatment
· Find Someone to Help me Care for Myself if I am Too Sick During Treatment
· Try to Conceive One Day
Marie is 36 so she is considered of “Advanced Maternal Age (AMA)” meaning if she were ever to have the chance to have children after her chemotherapy, radiation and medication regimen, she would have to freeze embryos instead of just her eggs prior to treatment. Along the path of fertility preservation, comes: expensive and multiple medications, painful shots, multiple ultrasounds, multiple surgeries, storage fees, enormous medical bills and the devastatingly shocking reality that she only has one cycle, ONE CHANCE, to ever have her own biological child.
Marie is unable to obtain any relief from charity organizations to help women facing fertility preservation and numerous other expenses due to the aggressive nature of her cancer and how soon she must start her chemotherapy (within 12 weeks from her lumpectomy). There is simply not enough time to apply to receive any relief. Marie also does not qualify for any state assistance due to the fact she is not technically infertile since she has not started her chemotherapy yet.
Please consider donating the best you can to help Marie. You can go into any Harris Bank and donate to the Marie Jacobsen Cancer Fund. You can also mail a check, made out to the Marie Jacobsen Cancer Fund, to:
The Marie Jacobsen Cancer Fund
c/o Aura Studios
618 S. Northwest Hwy. #301
Barrington, IL 60010
If you would like to donate securely online please click on the Donate icon below.
There are no words to describe the appreciation that you have given us for even reading my sister’s story.
Thank you,
Sherry
