Pictured here, Tanya Wedge is nursing her three-month-old granddaughter Haydin Replole, who gleefully cooed and gulped her lunch.  Tanya’s daughter believes that destiny brought her new baby at this time to help her mother through her cancer treatment.  And, Tonya is an excellent grandmother!

   When Tanya was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2009, she discovered that she tested positive for the gene that passes breast cancer.  That meant that she had a higher risk for breast cancer to recur.  After careful research, Tanya decided to have both her breasts removed, even though only one was cancerous.  Some insurances would not cover removal of a healthy breast, but because she tested positive for the gene, Tanya insurance did cover the added surgery.

   Tanya is an avid flower gardener.  She and her husband Chris have an Indian motorcycle and love going on motorcycle trips together with their extended family.

   Tanya worked for Syndicate Systems for 18 years and her company paid her health insurance for six months after her diagnosis.  In November 2009, Tanya began paying COBRA fees to retain her health insurance.  Her husband lost his trucking job in the economic downturn, but has picked up part-time work as a mechanic. Tanya receives disability income.  She is very concerned about their loss of income, and your donations will help make a partial payment for Tanya's mortgage.

26-year-old Melissa Thompson was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2009.  Melissa is a part-time student at Ivy Tech studying computer information systems and works part time as a waitress at Buffalo Wild Wings in Goshen.  Unfortunately, that means Melissa did not have health insurance when she was diagnosed with cancer.  After surgery to remove her breast, Melissa owes approximately $70,000 in medical bills, and in the first week of May will begin follow-up chemotherapy treatments.  Melissa has applied for Medicaid and is awaiting their decision.  In the meantime, Melissa considers herself a movie buff and loves scary movies, although lately she surprised herself and has gotten hooked on the kung fu genre.  Melissa's good friend Debbie Newcomer has played a key support role, and actually called United Cancer for Melissa. United Cancer will help Melissa pay for her medications until Medicaid finishes processing her paperwork.  Melissa Thompson is a great example of your donations working at United Cancer.

Back to top

Michelle Swartz is only 30 years old and has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  Pictured here in April 2009 with her son, Isaiyah, Michelle has completely recovered from her surgery and is about to begin chemotherapy.  Michelle is a nurse in the Step Down Unit at Elkhart General Hospital, so she understands the medical implications of her diagnosis and treatment better than most.  Michelle's husband Ryan works at Bennington Marine, and they have four children Calyn 11, Tryston 9, Amyah 6, and Isaiyah 5.  The family is very involved in the Northside Nazarene Church and Cleveland Little League.  In fact, all four children will be playing Little League in 2009 and their dad is both a coach and umpire.  Michelle says that Ryan might as well pitch a tent and live at the Little League park this summer.  Michelle is a huge basketball fan and loves both pro and college, although her favorite team is the Indiana Hoosiers.

Michelle came to United Cancer for help in paying for her wig which is not covered by insurance, and some of her out-of-pocket copayments.  Michelle and her family are a great example of your donations helping your neighbor's in Elkhart County.

Back to top

Sarah Williams is a great example of your donations at work and a great illustration of the importance of regular mammograms.  When Sarah's mother scheduled her own mammogram, her mom took the initiative and made an appointment for Sarah at the same time.  Thank goodness she did, because that mammogram was the first step in the early detection of Sarah's breast cancer.  Because of her early detection, Sarah needed only a lumpectomy surgery and will undergo follow-up chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  Sarah works at the Angels Central Academy, which is a day care, and her husband, Randy, works at North End Cycle.  She has a 21 year old stepson and two teenage daughters.  Naturally Sara's cancer diagnosis has been stressful on their family, but they are thankful that her chances of recovery are excellent.  Your donations will help Sarah pay for some of her treatment costs and a wig as she begins her chemotherapy.

Back to top

Teigan Donoho, sitting on her mother's lap, was first diagnosed with cancer when she was four months old.  Three years later, in the spring of 2009, Teigan is a living miracle.  Her treatment has been a tremendous ordeal both for the baby and for the family.  But early 2009 Teigan is taking a break from chemotherapy and is walking, growing and thriving.  Traveling to Ann Arbor, Michigan for cancer treatment has been a tremendous stress on their family as well has on their finances.  Your donations to United Cancer have helped provide this family with some much needed relief from the stress of the financial costs of cancer.

Back to top

When Glennis Brecheisen was diagnosed with lymphoma the doctor was concerned that she could not tolerate chemotherapy because she is 88 years old.  The doctor first tried a milder non-chemotherapy medication which was not effective.  Five mild doses of chemotherapy yielded positive results, and in January 2009 Glennis is waiting to hear if she is in remission.  Glennis came to United Cancer for help paying for her wig.

Back to top

Melissa Weldy is 24 years old and was diagnosed with uterine cancer in January of 2009.  Pictured here with her husband Brad in June 2009, she had already had a hysterectomy and is halfway through her seven-month long chemotherapy regime.  After chemotherapy she will probably also received radiation treatments.  Melissa was a nurse at Elkhart General, working in the chronic pain unit.  She is unable to work now because of her treatment, and needs help with some of the medical bills.

Back to top

Greg and Jennifer Koscielny have a good relationship, which shows in their great  sense of humor and ability to laugh together.  When Greg was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, he had his entire esophagus and the top one third of his stomach surgically removed.  The good news is that they got all the cancer.  He had a few rounds of follow-up chemotherapy and radiation, but as of January 2009 is done with all his treatment.  He needs time to recuperate from the surgery and treatment, but hopes to go back to work relatively soon.  Greg works for the George Weston Bakery in maintenance and has a short-term disability package.  Greg and Jennifer think the disability will run out before Greg is ready to work, so they came to United Cancer for help with some of their out-of-pocket costs for his surgery.

Back to top