Welcome to my fundraising page!
In a nutshell: I was diagnosed with stage III-b muscle invasive bladder cancer in August 2016 at age 40. The primary tumor was a T4 the size of a large grapefruit that was partially blocking my left kidney from draining correctly, growing through my bladder wall and attaching to my cervix. I had atypical symptoms that gradually increased over a decade. I had actively tried to get help for 2-3 years before finally getting diagnosed.
In September 2016, I got a temporary nephrostomy to save my kidney as I was slated for surgery in early October. Thankfully, my surgeon had a cancellation and my procedure was moved up almost 3 weeks. I had a radical cystectomy with ileal conduit/urostomy placement and was slated to be in the hospital for a week and rehab for 2 before going home as I am single, childfree and live with myself.
Due to a number of complications, that 3 week period turned into nearly 2 full months. I was discharged on November 15th that year, got to enjoy my birthday and Thanksgiving.
The week after Thanksgiving, I saw the oncologist in the office for the first time, got my port, shaved my head and began MVAC chemotherapy.
I completed 4 rounds on time, the 5th round was delayed a week and the 6th round was cancelled.
The week I was supposed to have my 6th round, I collapsed at a friend's house and was taken to the emergency room where it was determined that my hemoglobin had dropped to 5.7. (For reference, it should be well above 12!) I was admitted, give a blood transfusion and spent some more time at rehab recovering.
I was discharged on a Friday afternoon and went back to work the following Monday morning so I wouldn't lose my job. Completely bald and utilizing a walker.
It's been one hell of a ride, but I would make the same decisions all over again and I would have fought to have an ileal conduit/urostomy even if I hadn't had muscle invasive.
It's been nearly 9 years. I turn 50 later this year. Have been NED since my procedure and regret nothing.
This year, I have made a commitment to spend World Ostomy Day, Saturday, October 4th, as part of a group of people who are empowering people who have had or who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. In order to fulfill this commitment, I am asking for your help.
On October 4, 2025, I will participate in the Virtual Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k. This is more than just a 5k race for me. The goal of these events is to raise awareness and to empower people who have had or who may someday have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. Funds will support United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that makes a difference in the lives of the 725,000 to 1 million Americans who have had ostomy or continent diversion surgery. These surgeries are lifesaving and have allowed many people to return to living a healthy life.
I am writing to share my story, and to ask you to support me as I train to participate in this 5k race. To find out more about the Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k please visit www.ostomy.org/5k, and to learn more about UOAA please visit www.ostomy.org.
I have set my fundraising goal at $ ______ . You can help me achieve this goal and help me pay tribute to those who need our help. Please support my fundraising campaign by clicking the donate link to sponsor my efforts in meeting my fundraising goal, or click Register to join me!
Thank you for your support. Not only will you be helping me reach my goal, but you will help each and every person who has had or who may one day have ostomy or continent diversion surgery.
Always,
~Liz
