My dear friend, Dara, was diagnosed in May 2022 with stage 3C ovarian cancer at age 41. Undergoing major surgery to remove the tumors and a complete hysterectomy throwing her into premature menopause overnight, was just the beginning of a long road ahead.
Over the next 16 grueling months of scans, constant blood draws, chemotherapy, followed by maintenance therapy, she was finally declared in remission and could begin moving on. Except she didn't realize how much cancer would still have such a prominent presence in her life, as side effects from chemo still remained. Those were just some of the physical repercussions. It had also taken a huge toll on her mental health, self-confidence and direction for the future. And for those who may not know Dara, she is also a mom of 2. Her diagnosis came exactly one week after her son's 7th birthday.
Since her initial diagnosis, the unforeseen financial burden to Dara and her family hit hard, costing them close to $20,000 out of pocket over the last 2.5 years. She became a substitute teacher because of the flexibility to choose when she wanted to work, not knowing how she would feel from day to day, alongside her husband's job to help recover some of their funds, even if it was just a little.
Late last summer, her tumor marker began to elevate slightly. Fast forward to February 2025 and it had increased 10x. Three scans later, a first recurrence was confirmed, and her unbridled fear of cancer returning was now palpable. Medical bills have already begun to accrue into the thousands so far this year. With compromised immunity and side effects from chemo, she won't be able to work for some time. Her overall treatment time is estimated between 16-24 months. Dara's family survived the financial hardship once without outside aid, but a second time is unfathomable.
In addition to any donations made going directly towards the growing heap of medical bills and essentials, it's very important to Dara that some of it also be used to help pay for summer camp and activities to allow her 10 year-old son to just be a kid (their other child is 18), without constant worry about his mom. There wasn't time to prepare for any of these things the first time around, and witnessing the toll cancer had on his mom has had a lasting effect on him that no child should have to endure.
Please consider contributing any amount that feels comfortable. There will also be a Meal Train set up to drop off meals if you're local, or to send a food delivery gift card. On behalf of the Murdy family, thank you for taking the time to read a bit of Dara's journey and know you are all a part of it.
*For those who prefer other options to donate, please see the QR codes below that will go directly into Dara's accounts.
