Patty’s Posse

In 2009, Patty Nichols moved to Minneapolis to begin a new job.Two weeks after arriving, she was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer.Surgery and chemo followed.Patty knew very few people at her new condo home, but neighbors rallied and provided meals and care for her and dog walking for her beloved boxer, Bogey.She recovered and became the smiling, happy Patty all of us came to know, a friend to all, especially the doggies.

In April, 2017, Patty was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with metastases to her liver.She has completed her surgery and will now begin phase two of her treatment, which includes chemo in the form of oral medication.The cost of the drug co-pays alone will be thousands of dollars a month.

In 2015, Patty lost her job and her health insurance, so this illness has frightening consequences.She has been able to keep her head barely above water financially while holding three part-time jobs.Although she was able to sign up for a health plan under the ACA, it has an extremely high deductible, and her pre-operative MRI and PET scans will undoubtedly eat that amount up immediately.On the horizon, too, is the unknown landscape of a new government health plan that may either deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions or may charge them an exorbitant monthly premium in order to obtain coverage.The stress and worry about medical bills is not at all conducive to healing.

So many people know and love Patty, and the prayers, flowers, letters, daily care, meals, and expressions of concern during her surgical recovery has been amazing.Several people have expressed their desire to donate to a fund to assist Patty with her medical expenses, and also to allow her to take a small trip.It would be her first vacation in many years.

We hope that you will consider joining Patty's Posse as she gears up for her gunfight at the Cancer Corral. Any donation, no matter the size, will be very much appreciated.

Patty wept when this idea was first discussed with her.She has been astounded by the outpouring of love and affection from all of you and thanks you from the bottom of her heart.