My name is Jackie, and I'm fighting to stay alive after a rare, aggressive bladder cancer. I was diagnosed with Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the urinary bladder; a cancer so rare it makes up only about 0.3% of all bladder cancers. Most doctors have never even seen a case. It's aggressive, it's relentless, and treatment options are very limited.
To stay alive, I've endured 7 major surgeries. My bladder, ovaries, uterus, and lymph nodes were removed. Complications followed; hydronephrosis, multiple emergency stoma repairs, and more. I now live with a permanent urostomy bag. It’s a life-changing reality that requires daily, constant care for the rest of my life.
For nearly two years, I’ve been in continuous treatment — chemotherapy with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin, then immunotherapy with Pembrolizumab. These treatments saved my life, and I am so grateful for every extra day. But they have taken everything out of me.
I have very little strength left. The simple things, getting dressed, cooking a meal, cleaning up, completely drain me. Between managing the Urostomy, recovering from multiple surgeries, and the brutal side effects of treatment, I can no longer work the way I need to to support myself. I am alive and I praise the Lord that I am, but I am broke.
Even with Medicare, the costs never stop: hospital bills, co-pays, medications, urostomy supplies, travel to treatments, and just trying to keep a roof over my head and food on the table. It has all piled up into an overwhelming mountain of debt. I am not asking for luxury. I am asking for help to survive.
Your donation will go directly to:
**- Housing and basic living expenses
- Medical bills and remaining out-of-pocket costs
- Monthly Urostomy supplies
- Medications and travel for treatment
Every dollar gives me breathing room to heal instead of just worrying about how to survive the next day. If you have ever faced a health crisis, cared for someone who has, or simply believe no one should have to choose between staying alive and staying afloat, please consider donating or sharing.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, for caring, and for giving me hope to keep fighting. I am still here. I am still fighting. And I am still hopeful, because of people like you.
With love, the power of God and gratitude,
Jackie
