Diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in October 2015. She was undergoing treatments 2-3 times per week. Recently underwent a double mastectomy. Unemployed and seeking help with paying her monthly rent while she focuses on healing. She recently had a successful surgery, she shared with Founder and Executive Director, Anisa Palmer, during her a home visit and care package delivery.
Diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in March 2015. Has undergone chemotherapy and had her last reconstructive surgery in April of 2016. Roxanne was laid off and hasn’t been able to return to work due to her physical restrictions. She attends physical therapy twice a week and is working towards healing. Roxanne is seeking help with paying her rent and she also needs food, utility, and transportation assistance (she doesn’t have a car) while she focuses on healing. Roxanne is a certified life coach who loves to help others – she is actively seeking life coaching and part-time work opportunities.
Our oldest survivor and youngest at heart – Florrie is full of life and hope. Diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in Feb 2013. She has completed her treatment and is focused on continued health and healing. Florrie hasn’t been able to travel for many years, but recently applied to participate in Little Pink Houses of Hope’s Survivor Retreat in Florida. She is currently in need of partial housing assistance and help with gas/transportation costs for follow-up doctor appointments. She was so happy to attend the Braves Game last year, as it was her first.
Diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2011. She is currently in need of financial assistance for major dental work post chemotherapy treatments and survived lymphedema and neuropathy, also after affects of chemotherapy. She is here today full of life and hope as a poet and single mother after recently being diagnosed with Severe Osteoporosis.
Karen Palmer holds one of her daughters in the picture below. Although Anisa, at her young age, does not understand why she cries when anyone else would hold her, she knew she wanted to share every moment in her mothers ' arms.
Karen Palmer died shortly after being diagnosed with metastatic stage IV breast cancer. It was a final lung failure that took her last breath. The term metastatic is defined as a secondary cancer or a cancer that has spread from one place to another. In this case, the malignant tumor had spread to the lungs. Karen Palmer was also adopted at a very young age and the records are hard to resurface about her birth parents complete background and health records.
The health care system has improved in the Virgin Islands since the 80's but many health care facilities still suffer. Although more individuals know or have heard about breast cancer, still many individuals suffer from the lack of knowledge about preventative measures to reduce risks for breast cancer. Karen Palmer worked out and ate healthy but dealt with abuse from a previous marriage. She also had adopted parents that both died of lung cancer due to smoking.
Help I Will Survive, Inc. educate our communities in order to strengthen our families.
