Barbara is a beautiful, strong, 40-year-old mother of 4 amazing children who was diagnosed with Stage 1 Colon Cancer in 2012. Through surgery and chemotherapy, she was able to successfully overcome the stronghold of carcinoma and has been cancer-free since the end of 2012.  Since that time, she has had numerous infections of the colon, mainly with a super bug called Clostridium difficile, which is very hard to get rid of at times and with each recurrence adds a higher risk of developing the infection over and over again. She has been in the hospital many times in the past 2 years, most recently in May 2014. She has also fought through many other unexpected challenges in life since then, and overcome them, including a battle with homelessness. Unfortunately, recent scans (update) have revealed thickening of the colon, two different spots on the liver, and lymphadenopathy, all of which could indicate further disease, potential recurrence of cancer, and/or metastases. Biopsies need to be done of the liver and lymph nodes. Barbara has maintained positivity and a warrior-type attitude through this journey, but she really needs a strong support team behind her to continue fighting through healthcare hurdles and disease that is attempting to ravage her body. 

Anyone who knows Barbara, knows she is a compassionate giver of herself and her time, and fully supports Random Acts of Kindness. Even if it is not monetary, she does what she can for people and gives back to the community in other ways. She is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, runs her own blog, as well as website on the subject of mental illness and recovery, and is a street team member of an organization called To Write Love On Her Arms. She is an advocate for recovery, as well, and works closely with Celebrate Recovery. She also works full time as a medical language specialist and medical documentation specialist, but does not have health benefits.

Please consider donating funds to help cover her medical expenses, medical insurance, and upcoming treatments and medications, so Barbara can continue this stouthearted fight to thrive!