In September 2009, my sister Leah Dadas was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer that spread to her spine. The medical bills are already over $22,000 and there is more to come. Your help in her treatments & expenses is deeply appreciated
Please check here for updates, events and to connect with Leah! A new website will be in place soon! Love! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=208568288127&ref=ts
In September 2009, my sister Leah Dadas was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer that had metastasized to her lower spine. The medical bills are already over $22,000 and there is more to come. Your help in her treatment and living expenses is deeply appreciated! (Update: The most recent hospital bill covers radiation, pharmacy, and a lab, and within itself totals another $20,000.) **See below for home mailing address. **
Within two months of diagnosis, Leah underwent two biopsies, major surgery, numerous tests, radiation therapy, and takes two medications. Every two months she will be retested to track the course of the disease. She will likely face a lumpectomy or bilateral mastectomy/reconstruction, more radiation, and chemotherapy in the future. The prognosis is a 2-5% chance of cure. Her optimistic blood work results could indicate a better outlook.
Leah is proactive in treating her cancer by utilizing traditional western medicine as well as complementary and alternative medicine. Her main treatment medication, Arimidex, is costly at $414 per month. In addition to taking many researched supplements, Leah has altered her diet to be mainly vegan, including fresh veggie juices. She utilizes energy therapy and acupuncture thanks to the generosity of friends. She is interested in Intravenous Vitamin C Therapy which has been shown effective for breast cancer treatment. Your support to continue these treatments would be greatly appreciated.
In order to pursue a Counseling Master's Degree full time, Leah left her social service job with insurance benefits one and a half years ago. However the effects of having advanced cancer were wearing her down, though she was unaware that cancer was the cause of her symptoms. She stopped attending school and devoted more time to her self-employed occupation as a teacher of tai chi, youth and aging-initiatives programs, and as a bodywork practitioner. She was unable to afford health insurance coverage. We are thankful she was finally able to receive medical attention and be diagnosed. Currently her health condition precludes her from maintaining work. She continues to enjoy teaching.
Alas, in order to receive medical treatment, Leah signed up to participate in the hospital's financial assistance program. She was cleared at the 100% level of coverage. The parameters of this program are unclear and we later learned that it may not cover tests (MRI, PET/CT, ultrasound, x-ray, blood work, genetic tests), medications and procedures. Leah is working with the hospitals to determine what the coverage will be. The alternative treatments such as infrared sauna, Vit C injections, and supplements are all out-of-pocket therapies.
On another note, Leah's passions include alternative and holistic medicine, photography, nature, and martial arts.
All your generous contributions are dedicated to supporting my sister's medical and living expenses as she goes through this healing process. We deeply appreciate you.
(Please note: Many people have asked if they may send a donation by mail. Certainly! Leah Dadas, 4832 Sweetwater Dr., Brecksville, Ohio 44141)
Leah's Breast Cancer Fund donors.
- $100.00
Esther Makris- Horwath and Fam
February 22nd, 2010"I would like to cro Leah, Sa Agapo polli polli. You are so full of goodness and zoe. My family and I will pray for you. In my heart I know you will beat this and come out stronger. "
- $100.00
Melissa Tzotzis (Makridis)
February 19th, 2010"Stay strong and keep smiling!! You are in my prayers. "
- $50.00
jEN k.
February 11th, 2010"Best wishes to you. I pray you continue to stay strong and believe:)"
- $50.00
Dawn R Michaud
February 10th, 2010"Hang in there..."
- $50.00
Deanna Vondrasek
February 10th, 2010"God Bless you Leah- I am praying for you."
- $16.00
Adrienne Kruzer
February 6th, 2010"More from all of us at the Avon Lake Animal Clinic"
- hidden
Santhe Loizos
February 6th, 2010"You're in my thoughts and prayers Leah!"
- $59.00
Adrienne Kruzer
January 30th, 2010"Keep hangin' in there Leah! I'm praying for you! This is part of the money I raised with the help of my many co-workers at the Avon Lake Pet Health Campus. We all wish you the best. More to come."
- $100.00
Joe Diane Alexa Ella Randazzo
January 18th, 2010"We are praying for you!"
- $50.00
Emmy Gregory
January 13th, 2010"Don't stop fighting Leah. I am a breast cancer survivor of three years. Miracles are happening everyday to cure Cancer. I will keep you in my prayers."
- $100.00
Corinne
January 3rd, 2010"Leah, you are a remarkable and resilient woman with an amazing network of friends and family to support you- all will be well."
- $50.00
A friend of Ani Palmo's
January 3rd, 2010"I love this idea of friends of friends offering messages of healing and financial assistance, like a pebble dropped in a pond and making concentric circles that ripple through the whole pond. Best wishes for health and healing."
- $414.00
Michael Sawicki
January 2nd, 2010"Leah, stay positive and strong you can beat this! Our family also went through this (cancer). Keep the faith i will pray for you :-)"
- $300.00
Debby and Mark Tower
January 2nd, 2010"Best wishes for a speedy recovery."
- $30.00
Maria, Frosso, and Sam Tripodi
January 2nd, 2010"Our thoughts and prayers are always with you."
- $50.00
Sophie Psarras
January 1st, 2010"Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I've known your mom since Greek School days."
- $25.00
Jessica & Shane
January 1st, 2010"Happy New Year sweetheart! 2010 is going to be your year, and I wish you all of my love and best wishes your dreams come true!"
- $50.00
Zach Christie &Alayna Linquist
December 30th, 2009"We love you Leah! We are thinking about you and sending good energy your way everyday. Thank you for being such an amazing person :)"
- $10.00
Rachel Bartlett
December 29th, 2009"My prayers are with you and your family...Never underestimate the power of faith!"
- $100.00
An anonymous donor
December 27th, 2009"Don't ever give up. The Lord is with you always."
- $50.00
Jeremy & Susie Linquist
December 25th, 2009"Leah, if you are taking any herbs or vitamins, let me know and I can get them at cost for you through my clinic. "
- $200.00
Kristin
December 22nd, 2009"Continue to stay strong! I'm praying for you!"
- $50.00
Colleen Smith
December 21st, 2009"Hoping that the love and laughter from your family keeps your spirit strong!"
- $100.00
Dena and Drew Wilson
December 21st, 2009"Our thoughts and prayers are with you!"
- $10.00
Valentovish (friend of Jackie)
December 18th, 2009"Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
- $50.00
An anonymous donor
December 18th, 2009"I will keep you in my prayers."
- $50.00
Andy & Abby (Sternad) Moleski
December 18th, 2009"Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and stay strong!"
- $200.00
Jackie & Chris Butkiewicz
December 18th, 2009"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong and keep fighting to beat this. "
- $50.00
Kathy Augustine
December 17th, 2009"I missed the findraiser last night but I'm happy to donate. Sending you thoughts and prayers for your recovery."
- $100.00
Dax Kartson
December 16th, 2009"I'm very happy you set this up. Every little donation, encouragement, and prayer will go a long way toward your recovery. Stay strong and positive and much good will come from this- my family will keep me in the loop and you will be in my thoughts!"
- $10.00
EDWARD M POWERS
December 16th, 2009"Heard your story from Ani Palmo. It's not much, but I wanted to help as I could. "
- $50.00
Madeline
December 16th, 2009"My best wishes for a quick recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "
- $100.00
Rich Greaves
December 16th, 2009"I have never met you but you sure have touched many lives. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers."
- $100.00
Tracy & Taylor Holderbaum
December 15th, 2009"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The strength you've found to fight this awful thing through various treatments is inspiring. Your courage is beautiful. Keep fighting."
- $100.00
Karen Gorman
December 14th, 2009"Stay strong and fight one day at a time. "
- $250.00
Dagiasis Family / Phalanx
December 14th, 2009"Leah, our thoughts & prayers are with you! "
- $100.00
Steve & Georgia Salamalekis
December 14th, 2009"Our prayers are with you."
- $100.00
Costa, Kiki, Angelia & Steven
December 14th, 2009"Leah, our thoughts and prayers are with you."
- $50.00
Sweigh Emily Spilkin
December 10th, 2009"Sending you love, light, and grace beautiful Leah! You are in my heart. Thank you for being a part of my world."
- $100.00
John, Matina, Gia & Stavros
December 10th, 2009"We think and pray for you daily. Stay strong and think positive, we love you!!"
- $20.00
An anonymous donor
December 10th, 2009"My prayers are with you on your journey. Miracles happen every day."
- $50.00
Andrea and Olivia Poulis
December 9th, 2009"Olivia and I pray every night for you at bedtime. You have been and keep being an inspiration to us. We love you so very much and care deeply for you. Keep the faith and kick some cancer ass!!! "
- $50.00
Ray & Vera Lindemann
December 8th, 2009"Our prayers are with you."
- $100.00
Mike Diamond
December 8th, 2009"From one patient to another, continue to stay strong mentally! Thats the biggest piece to becoming healthy!"
- $100.00
Shelley, Jim, Evie & Athan
December 8th, 2009"Leah, We Love you!! We are praying for you and know you can beat this!!!!"
- $50.00
Ray & Vera Lindemann
December 8th, 2009"Our prayers are with you."
- $100.00
George and Vicki Douzos
December 8th, 2009"Leah - we will be sure to keep you in our prayers! Cast all your cares upon Him!"
- $50.00
Angie Benovic
December 8th, 2009"Leah- Even in your time of need you seek to help others. You are a bright shining star in a world which is too often dark. "
- $100.00
Cousin Stef
December 7th, 2009"Beautiful Leah... Wrapping You in Love, Healing Light and Total Health! Namaste!"
- hidden
Beth and Paul Dadas
December 6th, 2009"Leah, Your positivity is inspiring! Keep up the fight."
FUNDRAISER PROGRESS
GOAL: $25,000
Uncle Alex gave $1,000
November 22nd, 2009"Your are in our prayers. You can beat this. Don't give up."
Timothy and Jelena Doty gave $500
November 28th, 2009"We are praying for you. Continue to be strong and you will fight this and WIN. "
Tina, Chirs, Christopher gave $500
December 2nd, 2009"Leah, our thoughts, prayers, and postive thinking will always be with you. "
Maria Vasilakis gave $500
December 1st, 2009"Our prayers and thoughts are with you Leah, lots of love coming your way!"
Esther Makris- Horwath and Fam gave $100
February 22nd, 2010"I would like to cro Leah, Sa Agapo polli polli. You are so full of goodness and zoe. My family and I will pray for you. In my heart I know you will beat this and come out stronger. "
Melissa Tzotzis (Makridis) gave $100
February 19th, 2010"Stay strong and keep smiling!! You are in my prayers. "
jEN k. gave $50
February 11th, 2010"Best wishes to you. I pray you continue to stay strong and believe:)"
Dawn R Michaud gave $50
February 10th, 2010"Hang in there..."
