Hello, I’m Liz, a lifelong Atlanta native now residing in Marietta, GA with my devoted husband and caregiver, Ben. In June 2022, I received an unexpected diagnosis of Rectal Cancer, underwent surgery to remove the tumor and, by September of that year, received the all-clear. However, life had another twist in store for me when I was diagnosed once again this April 2023. This time with Stage 3, Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer. I am now fighting another courageous battle and on the cusp of a challenging journey, with 5 to 6 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments ahead, possibly even longer.

My story is unique because it intertwines with another challenge I’ve faced my entire life. At just nine months old, I was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 (SMA), a progressive neuromuscular disability. This condition has shaped my life in many ways, causing a curvature of my spine, respiratory complications, and a gradual deterioration of my muscles. I’ve relied on a power wheelchair, durable medical equipment, assistive technologies, and caregivers to maintain my independence and live life to the fullest.

Living with both a neuromuscular disability and cancer is a journey that few undertake. While I’m no stranger to navigating life as a disabled woman, the addition of cancer has introduced new complexities and challenges into my daily routine.

During chemotherapy and radiation, I’ll undergo 27 treatments and will need to go every day into the hospital for radiation. It is my hope that I don’t have many side effects, and if I do, that they are mild. However, some of the side effects that can occur are fatigue, nausea, flu like symptoms, muscle aches, neuropathy in my hands and feet, loss of appetite, hair loss or hair thinning, skin burns due to radiation in the groin and rectal area. Many of these side effects I feel on a daily basis are exacerbated from living with a neuromuscular disability. I fear the toll that all of this will have on my body.

I’m reaching out to you for help. There are many expenses related to my cancer care that insurance doesn’t cover, but they are crucial for my health and survival in the coming weeks and months. Not only will your support help me, but it will minimize some of the stressors impacting Ben and help his physical and mental well-being. Some of these expenses include, but are not limited to:

• House Cleaning and Sanitizing
• Psychosomatic/Medical Massage Therapy
• Supplemental Caregiving
• Groceries and Food
• Consumable Medical Supplies and Durable Medical Equipment (I need a new shower chair!)
• Gas/Mileage for Radiation Treatment and Oncology Appointments (I actually need a new wheelchair accessible van!)
• Medical Expenses ie. bills, co-pays, etc.
• Legal Expenses ie. setting up advanced directives, wills, end-of-life planning

Your support will make a tremendous difference in my journey to overcome these challenges. With your help, I can focus on getting better and eventually continue my work in spreading awareness about disabilities and cancer survival, and living a life filled with hope and love.

Thank you for considering our request, for being a part of our journey, being by our side during this difficult period, and for being a part of our community.

Warm regards,

Liz & Ben