"Vanessa's Hope"

Vanessa's Hope

Vanessa's Story
Vanessa's struggle began in January of 2007. Eduardo was 5 weeks old when Vanessa went to the doctor because of a lump in her breast. Her Obstetrician had previously told her that the lump was probably a clogged milk duct. When it didn't seem to be going away she decided to get it checked out. The doctor took a biopsy and told Vanessa to prepare for bad news. The dreaded phone call came two days later.Vanessa was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer. While caring for her infant son she embarked on an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy at the IU Simon Cancer Center. In August of 2007, after several rounds and several different types of chemotherapy, Vanessa decided to have a double mastectomy. For several months following surgery, Vanessa's cancer seemed to be under control. But in September 2008 the cancer returned - this time it had spread to her liver and lungs. Again chemotherapy was used and appeared to be successful. Breast reconstruction surgery was planned and every one's hopes were high. Then in February of this year - a day before leaving for reconstruction surgery - Vanessa had a seizure. The MRI showed two lesions on her brain. Vanessa immediately started Gamma Knife radiation on the tumors. The two tumors began to shrink, but a new tumor had developed. At this point she had whole brain radiation done. Because of the dangers to the patient this is a treatment that can only be done once.

Currently ...
Vanessa is continuing with chemotherapy until September. Every three weeks she goes to the cancer center for a 3 - 4 hour process where she receives an infusion of chemotherapy drugs at a cost of $8,000 - $14,000. In September, Vanessa will start on a maintenance regimen of infusions.


Living With Hope
Vanessa's Hope c/o The Julian Center2011 North Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46202317-941-2215
Copyright (c)2009 Vanessa's Hope


Events
AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Location: St. Monica Church, 6131 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228.
Entertainment: Live music
Activities: The evening will feature dinner, a silent auction, and entertainment.
Tickets: Teenagers and adults are $20.00 per person, children ages 5 - 12 are $10.00 per child, children ages 0 - 5 are free. To purchase your tickets, you may use the following to submit your order through PayPal, or call Molly Barrick at 317.941.2220 or submit your request via email by.

Select Ticket/Click Add to Cart:
$20.00 - Adult/Teenager$10.00 - Child (6 - 12 yrs)$00.00 - Child (0 - 5 yrs)


If you cannot attend: Please consider giving a donation. A gift in any amount is appreciated.

LivingWith Hope
Vanessa's Hopec/o The Julian Center2011 North Meridian StIndianapolis, IN 46202317-941-2215
Copyright (c)2009 Vanessa's Hope