Help Rose Fight Stage IIIC2 Cancer
This September will mark three years since I completed treatment for throat cancer. I am incredibly grateful to say that I have remained cancer-free—and there is one person I credit with helping me get here: my girlfriend, my best friend, and my saving grace, Rose McCauley.
When I was sick, Rose never left my side. She pushed me to get help, researched hospitals, doctors and treatment options, prayed for me, cared for me every day, and walked beside me through one of the most frightening times of my life.
Now, heartbreakingly, it is my turn to stand beside her.
Rose has been diagnosed with Stage IIIC2 gynecological cancer involving her cervix and lymph nodes. At this stage, surgery is not an option. She is preparing to begin intensive chemotherapy and expanded radiation at Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Jersey, with treatment expected to begin within the next few weeks following her planning scan. Immunotherapy may also be incorporated into her treatment, and her medical team may explore clinical trial options if she qualifies.
The road ahead will not be easy.
I know firsthand what happens when you hear the words, “You have cancer.” Your heart races. Your stomach drops. Fear takes over. You wonder whether you'll survive, whether you'll get to watch your family grow, and then reality sets in: How will I work? How will I pay my bills? What happens to my home? How will I afford treatment, medications and everything that comes with fighting this disease?
Those are now the questions Rose is facing.
The Woman We're Fighting For
If you have ever had the privilege of knowing Rose, you already know what kind of person she is. For those who haven't, I want you to understand exactly who you are helping.
Rose is one of the most selfless, loving and compassionate people I have ever known.
As a single mother, she raised two incredible children on her own. Her son is a proud war veteran, and her daughter is a veterinary technician and wonderful mother. Rose is now the incredibly proud grandmother of three grandchildren, all under the age of eight. They are her entire world, and more than anything, she wants the opportunity to watch them grow up and continue being a part of their lives.
Her compassion doesn't stop with people. Throughout her life, Rose has rescued, loved and cared for countless animals. Today, her family includes two dogs and six cats—all rescues.
Giving to others has simply always been who Rose is.
For years, she has donated what she could to organizations including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Hosts for Hospitals, Ronald McDonald House, Jack of Hearts, the SPCA and local animal shelters. She has never needed to have a lot in order to give. If someone—or some animal—needed help, Rose found a way to do what she could.
She did all of this while raising her family and supporting herself on the income of a dental hygienist.
For approximately 40 years, Rose has worked as a dental hygienist, spending much of her career in a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania. She didn't simply clean her patients' teeth. She listened to them, encouraged them, offered advice when they needed it and often ended appointments with a hug. For many of her patients, an appointment with Rose felt a little like therapy because they knew she genuinely cared about them.
After COVID, Rose's life changed unexpectedly when the dentist she had worked for for 30 years passed away. She suddenly found herself searching for new employment and a new source of income without a pension, 401(k), or severance to fall back on.
Still, she kept going.
And even now, while dealing with this diagnosis and the pain that accompanies it, Rose continues to work.
Soon, that will no longer be possible.
Why We're Asking for Help
Once Rose begins chemotherapy and radiation, her focus will have to shift entirely toward fighting for her life and getting through treatment.
Unfortunately, cancer doesn't stop the bills from coming.
In addition to her normal living expenses, Rose will be facing medical copays, medications, transportation, travel and potentially lodging expenses associated with receiving treatment. At the same time, she will be losing the income she has relied upon for decades.
Rose is an incredibly proud and independent woman. She would never ask for this herself—so I am asking for her.
Our goal with this fundraiser is simple: to take as much of the financial fear off Rose's shoulders as possible so she can put her energy where it belongs—on treatment, healing and beating this disease.
Donations will help with expenses including:
- Medical bills, copays and medications
- Travel to and from cancer treatment
- Lodging when necessary for treatment
- Household and everyday living expenses while she is unable to work
- Care and necessities for her beloved animals
- Other unexpected costs that arise throughout treatment and recovery
Any amount helps. There is no gift too small.
And if you aren't in a position to donate, we are asking for something equally important: please pray for Rose and share her story.
Please Pray With Us
Rose has always been a woman of faith. She is a faithful Catholic and has been praying to God, Jesus and the Virgin Mary for strength and healing throughout this journey.
We believe deeply in the power of prayer and in the strength that comes when people come together for someone who needs them.
I've experienced cancer myself. In the past five years, I have also lost my dad, my mom and my childhood best friend. I cannot bear the thought of Rose's children, grandchildren, family, friends, pets—or me—losing her too.
We need Rose here.
Her grandchildren need their grandmother.
Her children need their mom.
Her animals need the woman who rescued and loves them.
And I need my best friend.
Cancer doesn't care who you are. It doesn't care how healthy you've been, how carefully you've lived, how old you are, how much money you have or how many people love you. It can enter anyone's life without warning.
But Rose will not face it alone.
Now is our opportunity to give back to a woman who has spent her entire life giving to everyone else.
Please consider making a donation to help ease Rose's financial burden as she begins this fight. Please share this campaign so her story can reach as many people as possible.
And above all else, please pray for Rose—for strength, comfort, healing, successful treatment, and many more years watching those three beautiful grandchildren grow.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every donation, every share, every prayer and every person who takes a moment to stand beside Rose.
Send Rose Your Prayers & Encouragement
In addition to donating or sharing this campaign, we would love to surround Rose with as much love, faith and encouragement as possible throughout her fight.
If you would like to send Rose a prayer, well wishes, words of encouragement, or simply a message to let her know she is not fighting alone, please send them to:
prayersforrose@gmail.com
We hope to fill this inbox with messages Rose can turn to on the difficult days—a reminder of just how many people are praying for her, cheering her on and standing beside her throughout this journey.
Every prayer matters. Every encouraging word matters. And every reminder that she is surrounded by love means more than you know.
Cancer picked a fight with the wrong woman.
Let's help Rose fight back.
God bless,
Mick
