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Serenity’s Story

Serenity

My name is Serenity Kisling and I have Stage IV Breast Cancer. I was diagnosed in 2008 at 35 years of age. My son was 2 years old at the time. It was a devastating diagnosis – I was given three years to live give or take.

In 2013 I qualified for the OPT 821/822 double-blind phase II trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) in Houston, TX. It is a promising immunotherapy trial. I was so excited but had no idea where I was going to get the money to travel from Colorado and California to get to the appointments. For approximately 8 months I had to go to MD Anderson Cancer Center every month and then every 8 weeks until March of 2016.

This is where my clinical nurse at MDACC came in and saved the day. Insurance paid for all the trial and testing so everything was falling into place. Three years was a big commitment and would cost a lot of money in travel and lodging. My clinical nurse said she had heard of an organization that helped out cancer patients in clinical trials.

I called Lazarex Cancer Foundation and they were so on top of it. After receiving the necessary documentation they approved me and I knew then it (the trial) was meant to be.

I know it would not have been possible for me to be in the life saving trial if it had not been for Lazarex and its donors. I am eternally grateful that there is such an organization out there for people who are financially struggling because of this disease.

I feel so healthy…. Healthier than I have been in years! I am currently NED (no evidence of cancer)! I fought such a battle for years. Whoop Whoop! The best part is my son can see me healthy. He was the first person I called when I found out I was in remission. I am currently able to work again and get back to some “normalcy” which is so exciting and scary but if I can beat cancer I can do ANYTHING!

Thank you so much Lazarex for all the financial help. I wouldn’t be were I am today if it hadn’t been for your unconditional help. Thank you once again to all the donors who give to the organization – you are saving peoples’ lives!

My sincerest thanks,

Serenity

Stage IV Breast Cancer