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Facing my cancer diagnosis. [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-10-20  

When I was growing up, there were a lot of adults in my community who would never say “the C word.” It was as if naming cancer would somehow taint and infect everyone in hearing distance. Now that I have been diagnosed with both lung cancer — and some spots on my brain, and am undergoing treatment, I’m going to say it out loud. I have cancer, as many of my friends have had and do have.

I’ve already lived since 1983 with another set of stigmatized letters — HIV/AIDS. Sadly, I buried far too many friends and neighbors during the rise of the epidemic here in NYC, across the country and of course around the world. I’m one of the long-term survivors from that era, who somehow was able to stick around, and stay healthy.

C — should stand for cure. C should be about Community support, and an infusion of Cash for research and treatment.

What has been difficult for me, while undergoing chemo, and now I’m starting radiation treatment, has been coping with the very high co-pays for my treatment. I do have Medicare and another managed care plan, but they aren’t covering the full costs. I am currently the caretaker for my husband who had to stop working due to a major stroke, followed up by a series of seizures. We own our home — barely, but can’t afford to have the roof fixed, so lost our home owners insurance. Due to the COVID epidemic, I lost a major source of extra income — speaking engagements — and with an already compromised immune system I no long travel across the country. I have been able to do a few via Zoom.

I am grateful everyday that Daily Kos provides extra income for us, via my Community Contributors Fellowship. Sadly, it isn’t enough to cover the bills that are now coming in for my co-pays — nor will it cover the leaky roof (it is currently “patched”).

Therefore, I’m compelled to communicate openly, get humble and ask for some help. Those of you who know me, know I’d rather be a helper. It ain’t easy for me to be on the other side of the equation.

After a discussion with my husband Nadhiyr and my godson Jesse, I’ve set up a GoFundMe and am asking that if you have any cash to spare in these tight times, can you please send me a small contribution (there go those C’s again) If you can’t, some prayers and well-wishes go a long way too.

My email for paypal is denise.olivervelez@gmail.com

Here’s a link to my GoFundMe

Thanks in advance, and hugs,

Dee

FYI — I am trying to resolve a paypal issue — will thank everyone asap!

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/10/20/2200525/-Facing-my-cancer-diagnosis?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=trending&pm_medium=web

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