My name is Dawn Yrene. I’m 44, and here is a picture of my
six most important reasons for wanting to live. (I’m the short one in back).
In October 2008,
I thought I was entering menopause. Unfortunately, I soon discovered it was
stage two cervical cancer and inoperable. Wanted so badly to have it removed
but the doctor said she was 99.9 % certain that would not be possible. I was
put on several prayer chains and people laid hands on me and prayed, as well.
When I saw the doctor again, I realized prayers were being answered. She
changed the diagnosis from stage two to one B and said she would be able to remove it. I was thrilled.
The hysterectomy
was a big thing to go through with five children. My husband, Kevin, had been
out of work since August. The bright side was that he was there for me and was
able to take care of our kids during my recovery. Financially, things were
getting really tough, so once I was better, he took work five hours away. I was
trying to change my diet and lifestyle while maintaining the family, which was
stressful, but we have really great kids who tried to help every way they could.
In February, I discovered three small lumps, which I thought were scar tissue,
but, unfortunately, the biopsy result was positive.
Kevin returned
home immediately and did tons of online research. We decided Insulin
Potentiation Therapy seemed like the most effective treatment for my type of
cancer. The doctor we decided on in Arizona
said I was a good candidate for IPT so we moved quickly. I found a place to
stay for the six to eight weeks of treatment, Kevin went back to work, and
wonderful friends agreed to watch our children for as long as we needed. It was
hard to leave the family, but it helped to have the support of others.
When I was a kid,
a missionary came to our church and told how she was helping people in need. I
decided I wanted to be a missionary when I grew up. As an adult, however, I
decided asking for financial support was too difficult. I went on one
short-term mission’s trip, an amazing experience, but that was it. Life has a
way of humbling us, though. When I was going into surgery, Kevin told me the
church we had helped in Mexico
had taken a collection for me. What a
comfort as the hospital staff wheeled me away.
Now that I’m
receiving IPT, which is effective but expensive, I am asking for financial help
because I realize we all need each other and this is a time in my life to
receive. I also hope to lessen some of Kevin’s pressure as we are living on
borrowed money. I realize so many people are having financial difficulties
right now, and so many have cancer. But there is hope for each one.
If you feel led
to help, we appreciate it greatly. It doesn’t matter how much. Each dollar is
an encouragement and practical help. Also, each donation adds with the others
to make a huge difference.
Thank you for
taking the time to read my story.
Sincerely,
Dawn Yrene
