Without the help of The Breast Cancer Society I would certainly be far worse off. Everyone has been so kind and supportive. I give thanks to God for such a caring and generous organization.

To Whom it May Concern:

I just would like to express my sincerely appreciation for the last two checks I have received from The Breast Cancer Society over the past two weeks. Although “my story” may be hard to believe it is all true. My husband of 13 years left me and my three children in late April of 2007 and filed for divorce three weeks later. This all came soon after our oldest son, Grant was diagnosed with autism.

I have struggled emotionally and financially over the past year of 2007 while dealing with my divorce. I was within two to three weeks to coming to a “global resolution” and finalizing my divorce when on Dec. 16, 2007 I found a lump I my left breast. I went to the doctor the following day, and it was concluded that it was in fact a mass. By the end of the same week, I was informed by the ultra-sound doctor that it was most likely cancer. My mother had breast cancer 5 years before, so I knew what I was going to have to endure to fight breast cancer. Christmas was difficult to get through being that it was the first year that my husband would not be present for the kids and knowing that I would within days be officially diagnosed with breast cancer. On Dec. 28, I had the biopsy and they oncology surgeon, found not only one but two lumps… On Jan 16, I had a single mastectomy and had 23 of my lymph nodes removed. Seventeen of my 23 lymph nodes tested positive for cancer. I was diagnosed with invasive ductile breast cancer.

At the age of 37, single mother of three (age 8, 4, and 2yrs) I knew I had my hands full and
would be relying on the strength of my faith, friends and family to help me and my kids. I had my first chemotherapy treatment on Jan 28 and five days later I was informed by my divorce attorney that my “soon to be ex-husband” had voluntarily “quit” his job. My financial security was immediately put at risk and my health insurance was suddenly put on a COBRA status. As expected since February 1, 2008 my children and I have not received any support payments and I have paid my COBRA insurance payment providing health care insurance for me and the kids by relying on the kindness of others and organizations such as yours. (In fact, right now…your non-profit agency is the only one who has responded to my need and for that I am thankful).

I will be forever indebted to your society and look forward to the day when I can “pay it forward” to someone else in need. I hope that “my story” may help others find strength should they find themselves in a similar situation. For that reason alone, feel free to share “my story”. My fight with breast cancer is far from over.. I will be having my 3 of 8 rounds of chemo on Monday, followed by radiation, reconstructive surgeries etc.

Thank you again on behalf of myself and children

Dana Bell

Mother of Grant (age
Helena (age 4)
Everett (age 2 on April 12)
…)
Breast Cancer Fighter since 12/28/07

Thank you so much for the financial assistance you have provided me during this difficult time in my life. The monthly checks I receive have really helped me with the monthly bills. Your generous support for those of us battling breast cancer is truly wonderful and most appreciated.