We named this page Love Tokens because Liz needs 'tokens of love' from her friends, family & community! Growing up, she was the epitome of beauty, grace, and kindness for me. When you look at someone's life through the eyes of a child, it is a much more hopeful view. In my mind, she had a perfect life: a great family, a stylish job (yes, hair was and is glamorous in my opinion), and of course she IS and always has been flawlessly gorgeous! That description was not even close to the story of her life; although, I truly wish it was. From childhood to marriage she endured a lot--but what I admire most is that she didn't give up and she didn't complain or act like a victim. I mention this part because life is hard enough and we as humans tend to make it even more complicated. In 2005, Aunt Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer. She opted for surgery, went through treatment and was in remission for years. In 2012, doctors discovered a tumor on her sternum; not wanting to put her body through the same treatment, she adhered to a strict whole foods diet, exercise, and changed her living habits. The following summer she was able to go to Block Center near Chicago, Illinois; a medical center that combines chemo with alternative medicine treatments. Every 2 weeks, Aunt Liz and my Uncle Dino drove out to Illinois. During this time her tumor shrunk by 50% and she continued to receive a vitamin C drip and immunotherapy. Eventually, she gained her strength back and as able to return to work for a while. Now, here we are, third times the charm (except there is nothing charming about this disease or the toll it takes on your body). Her most recent scans showed that she has stage IV (metastatic) cancer. This stage means that the cancer has spread to other organs or parts of the body, in her case the lungs. Some days are better than others. Some days she is unable to eat or keep food down and sometimes she has trouble breathing, due to the hardening of her lungs. Through all of this, God has given her immense strength and even when you or I question why this is happening, she does not falter in the power of her belief! If you have read this far, I just want to thank you for taking the time to stop, read my words, and consider helping my family. My Nonna used to always repeat the words, "This too shall pass" to me, my friends, and family members whenever we were struggling. Please help me fight to make this a reality for my Aunt. Why I chose "Compassionate Crowdfunding" and my 3 main goals:
Help my Aunt and Uncle raise money for any unexpected living expenses (she is not able to work currently)
Help cover any therapies not covered by insurance
Ultimately a month-long treatment at the Gerson Institute. A non-profit center dedicated to providing education and training in the Gerson Therapy, an alternative, non-toxic treatment for cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases
